Raul press conference
Raul knows how hard it is to defeat Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. The captain believes Real Madrid have a chance to snatch a victory.
You’ve been benched in two games. Do you think you’ll play in the derby?
I don’t know. The coach will decide tomorrow. The team responded well in the last two games, but one must always be ready and be in optimum form in order to make good use of any chances he may get.
Do you understand being benched?
There is nothing for me to understand. I am just another player on this squad. I have to work. I can’t complain about the season I’ve had so far. I believe the team as a whole is what really matters and we have improved of late. We must focus on our games against Atletico and Alcorcon.
Is this an uneven derby?
It is always complicated to play at the Calderon. Atletico have improved with their new coach. They deserved to win against Chelsea and they are more confident now despite their Champions League elimination.
What do you think of Guti’s situation?
Guti is a very important player. He is training and recovering.
What do you think of the possible club strike?
I think we should all play according to the same set of rules. We’ll see what happens.
Would it be a disappointment for you to miss the derby?
It’s a matter of circumstances. One must always be ready. All my team-mates are doing a great job and I wish to play, but it’s up to the coach to decide.
What message do you have for Cristiano?
He has to remain calm and be patient. He is a very important player who needs to be completely recovered. We hope he returns to us as soon as possible.
Has the team already forgotten about the match in Alcorcon?
We haven’t forgotten about it because the knockout stage isn’t over yet. We’ll start to think about our next game against them on Sunday.
Metzelder to Realmadrid.com
Christoph Metzelder, who today celebrates his 29th birthday, sat down with Realmadrid.com to comment on his special day and the team’s upcoming schedule of matches.
How do you feel on you birthday?
Good. I am healthy and training. My family is coming in today so I am very happy.
How are you going to celebrate?
I’m just going to relax with my mom, my brothers and my friends. I cannot wait to have my mom’s traditional German apple tart. I love Spanish food, but I also miss my mom’s cooking.
Was the point earned at San Siro a good early birthday present?
Yes. It was an important point that allowed us to hold on to the top spot and take a big step towards the Last 16.
Another good present would be a derby victory.
We have won the last four matches against Atleti and hope to extend the streak. It will be tough because teams with new coaches are usually very motivated, but let’s hope that isn’t the case on Saturday. I would love to play in the Vicente Calderon because it’s a stadium I have yet to add to my list.
And the best would be a turnaround against Alcorcon on Tuesday.
We played poorly in the first leg and want to turn it around in the Bernabeu. A lot depends on the first few minutes and whether or not we score an early goal.
Fans will be out in full force. In four hours on Wednesday 15,000 tickets were sold.
Madridistas always support us. We all want to turn this tie around, and anything is possible in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Oh you beauty! ft. Xabi Alonso
I know a few Liverpool fans who are actually still sobbing over the fact that Xabi Alonso left the Kop and decided to move over to a sane and a by miles a more successful club like Real Madrid. Maybe he thought that it was high time to win a league medal rather some league medal let alone the Premier League.
Or maybe it was because Liverpool made him into so bad a loser that he couldn’t do something as simple as this…
and maybe it was because of this…
Either way he is home finally!
Wooooooooooooo!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
PS: Alonso though says it was Rafa who did it.
Is it just me or…
Is it just me or does Lyon’s Lisandro López really look like Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara? Well, pardon me if I am wrong, cause I’ve been doing a lot of studying and it is really getting to me. Anyways, I do have some news for you.
Roberto Mancini has reportedly made known his desire to coach Real Madrid, should Manuel Pellegrini get the sack. El Pais is reporting that Mancini has done everything in his power to be noticed by Florentino Perez. He allegedly told the Spanish daily:
I am the best coach that Real Madrid could have – my initials are not R.M. by chance.
The former Inter Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina coach also expressed his interest to ANSA, an Italian news company, that he would love nothing more than a new challenge and a chance to coach a team like Real Madrid. He did, however, deny that he had spoken to El Pais. Mancini said:
Every coach would be honoured to coach Real Madrid, I’m ready for a new challenge. I’m thankful for the attention I’ve received in the Spanish press, even though I’ve not telephoned any journalists and I’ve not issued any statements that were reported in the press today. I’m ready for a new club and for a new challenge in Italy or abroad. Any coach would be honoured to be able to sit on the bench of such a prestigious club as Real Madrid.
Hahaha! El Pais rules!
Fortunately we don’t need some cunt, who speaks like that, to run our club. Pellegrini will stay!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Amendment to “Beckham Law” might cause La Liga to go on strike
Liga de Fútbol Profesional is threatening to strike over a tax hike for top earners, arguing the increase will in future discourage leading players from coming to La Liga.
The government’s measure will raise taxes for foreigners who arrive from 2010 onwards and earn above 600,000 euros a year to 43 percent from the previous rate 24 percent thus amending the so-called “Beckham Law,” named after the player himself, which was approved in 2002 to make hiring foreign high-earners easier and Spain more attractive to the specially qualified or skilled. This measure though, which will be implemented on January 1 2010, will not affect players already in Spain such as Real’s Ronaldo and Kaka or Barcelona’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi.
LFP president Jose Luis Astiazaran told TV channel Telecinco on Wednesday the league would meet on Friday to decide what measures to adopt, with a strike among the options. He said:
This is a special tax regime which has allowed star players to join our league which benefits both the fans and the public coffers.
The ruling Socialist party’s spokesman in parliament, Jose Antonio Alonso, said the change in the law was simply an attempt to level the playing field in difficult times. He said:
(This is) an exercise in tax justice, aimed at promoting tax equality at a time of serious economic crisis. Foreign footballers… have to pay their taxes just like everyone else.
Para Siempre Blanco!!
Hala Madrid!!
Ronaldo to miss El Derbi Madrileño
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss El Derbi Madrileño on Saturday. According to an injury report released on Realmadrid.com, the player cannot start training right now until further test results are out. This news could be a blow to both Real and Portugal who will play FIFA World Cup 2010 qualification play-offs against Bosnia on November 14 and 18. Real on the other hand have won only two out of the seven matches played during his absence.
The injury report read as follows:
After examining the evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury today, it was determined that there has been no clinical improvement of the bone edema in the center of his right ankle. The player cannot, therefore, begin training and must continue treatment and relief work until another examination is carried out.
Real play Atlético on Saturday.
Para Siempre Blanco!!
Hala Madrid!!
Marcelo press conference
Marcelo believes the team is showcasing a great attitude. The defender thinks this is the only way to find success.
You played very well in the first half and you practically performed as a second striker in the last 45 minutes…
That’s what it may have looked like, but it wasn’t so. I was attacking and swapping positions with Kaka. I was closer to the goal when we attacked, but I wasn’t following any specific strategy.
How much has the tactical change benefitted the team?
I think the most important thing about our game was the spirit we had. Tactics are important, but drive is paramount. The team’s spirit is very good. We know we must showcase drive in order to win every game we play.
Do you feel more comfortable closer to attack?
Yes. Xabi stays in the middle and Lass on the right. Kaka and I swap positions and end up being more unpredictable.
It seems Cristiano will miss the derby. What do you think of that?
We obviously need him because he is a very important player, but there are many men on this squad who can help the team. I hope he recovers as soon as possible.
How does Guti feel these days?
I haven’t spoken to him about anything personal, but he looks good and anxious to play, just like the rest of us.
Do you still feel more comfortable as a left back?
The mere fact of playing for Real Madrid is enough to make me happy. I love to play in attack, but I’d rather be a left back. Things may change in the future, but I prefer the left back position for now.
Did we miss Guti?
Its time for a poll. Guti was left out due to tactical reasons last night. Despite having so many chances on their goal we could break them only once. The question is whether Guti would have made a difference.
Raúl Albiol to miss El Derbi Madrileño
Raul Albiol has been suspended for one game by the Competition Committe of the Spanish FA. The defender saw a red card against Getafe on Saturday for tackling Roberto Soldado. Albiol has been suspended “for breaking the rules of the game that determine expulsion from a match.” Atletico Madrid’s Assunçao has also been suspended.
He will miss the 22:00 CET clash against Atlético Madrid on Saturday.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
AC Milan 1-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid owned the match against Milan in San Siro on Tuesday, affixiated the host on several occasions and displayed some of their best football of the season. They controlled possession of the ball as well as scoring opportunities and Benzema knocked in his first goal in Champions League action this year. But the Whites were unable to walk away victorious after the hosts equalized by way of a Ronaldinho penalty. The pace slowed in the second half and the scoreboard didn’t budge, but Real Madrid are one step closer to the Last 16 after the 1-1 draw.
The Whites played an impeccable first half with splendid passing and pressure against an opponent that looked uneasy on its own turf. The Rossoneri relied on the counterattack by capitalizaing on Pato’s speed, but it was Real who created one opportunity after the next. Lass from long range (9’), Higuain from the top of the box (13’), Xabi following a free-kick (16’), Benzema with a against-the-grain strike (19’)… With twenty minutes off the clock Real Madrid led 4-0 in shots on goal.
Milan’s first clear chance came off the boots of Pato, who feinted inside the Madridista box only to be stymied by Casillas. The visitors needed to settle down and were able to do so on 29’, when following a shot by Kaka, the ball deflected off Thiago Silva and Dida cleared. Benzema scooped it up inside the box and curled in a low burner for his first goal in Europe this season (29’).
Just when Madrid hit cruise control, Zambrotta’s cross hit Pepe’s forearm while inside the box and the referee called the penalty. Ronaldinho took the spot kick and put the equalizer on the board with a shot into the corner (34’). Two minutes later, Pato had a goal disallowed after being called for a hand-ball. By halftime, the best way to sum up the first 45 minutes was 16 shots for Real Madrid and only three for Milan.
The second half saw more of the same from Milan and a less intense Madrid side. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead, although the Whites still controlled possession. Ambrosini’s shot sailed wide following a Pirlo cross (59’), Kaka had a go from outside the box (69’), Higuain was unable to meet a center put in by Arbeloa (71’) and Casillas trapped a cross that Borrierllo attempted to get a foot to. Raul came on for Higuian (76’) and Benzema was replaced by Van Nistelrooy (83’).
Milan had two close encounters down the home stretch. Inzaghi sent a Pato cross over the woodwork and on 84’ the Italian forward sent another ball into the stands. Real Madrid responded with a shot by Marcelo that Dida got a fingertip to and a strike by Raul, who was centimeters away from giving the Whites the lead. The final score saw each team earn a point despite overall superiority by the Madridistas.
AC Milan vs Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League | Group Stages | Matchday 4 | Preview
The Champions League returns with another star-studded matchup on Tuesday as Milan host Real Madrid at San Siro stadium. It’s a rematch between the two winningest sides in Europe and a special encounter for Kaka, who returns to the stomping grounds he called home during six seasons. The winner will be on a crash course into the Last 16 as sole possessor of the top spot in Group C.
Real Madrid and the Rossoneri have met on twelve occasions. Tonight the Whites hope to level the playing field after losing the first leg of the tie two weeks ago at the Santiago Bernabeu. Pellegrini’s men seek their third Champions League victory of the season, an outcome that would carry the team to the top of the Group C table. It would also mark the first Real Madrid win at San Siro in official competition.
With an impressive League record of seven victories, one draw and one loss, Real Madrid hope to carry their momentum into European play. Twenty players traveled to Milan, although one will have to be scratched before kick-off. After such an intense workout on Monday night at San Siro, the team is anxious to get the ball rolling against the Rossoneri, who since leaving the Bernabeu with a win have drastically improved their domestic situation in the Calcio. Leonardo and company have climbed into fourth place following their 2-0 victory against Parma and are just two points off second and third place Juventus and Sampdoria.
There will be mixed emotions on the field for several players, but for Kaka it will be especially poignant. Tonight marks the first time that the Brazilian returns to the stomping grounds that he called home for six seasons.
Few changes to the 20 call-ups for Getafe
Manuel Pellegrini released his 20-man squad list for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Milan at San Siro. Drenthe will make the trip to Italy, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Garay will stay in the Spanish capital due to injury and Guti and Metzelder because of a coaching deicision.
Payback is a bi*ch – Milan pre-preview
So finally it is here. Real Madrid face AC Milan at the San Siro on Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League 2008-09 Group Stages. Kaká returns to the San Siro where he served loyally until he found himself a better life at Real Madrid during the summer of ’09. And he is a part of the Real Madrid side which will be looking to get three points out of a game by the end of which they could be topping the group at the expense of their opponents if all goes well.
Ronaldinho press conference
Ronaldinho has not made the best of starts to the season for AC Milan but there is no questioning his motivation as Real Madrid gear up to visit San Siro on Tuesday.
ON HIS PHYSICAL CONDITION AND ASSISTS:
I manage to do many assists because this is a good moment for me, but I also want to score goals and continue to make assists. Right now things are going this way and I’m happy that I can make assists for my team-mates. I’m happy to help them. I’m fine with Leonardo, I’m happy, even though he made me go out before the end of the game, but these are normal things. I adapted myself, this year it’s easier for me I learnt the language and it’s simpler to follow the work during training. I also felt well and all of this is useful for my improvement. Football is like this, it’s a moment in which now I feel fine and I’m happy that things are coming well. Differently from when things were going a bit worse, now I worked well and I found the time to work, the coach helps me and the physical trainer allows me to work well. This allowed me to do things well in a simple way when I go on the pitch. When Ancelotti was here last year I did not play much, now I play more and even for this things are coming easier. The trust arrives also with the wins. We win the games and I play more minutes, this is the difference from last year. When I have more time to think, it’s simpler for me to do assists and when the opponent gives me space I succeed to do them. I don’t think that they fear me. I try to wait for the moment in which I’m not marked. For me it’s easy to play with Pippo, with Borriello, with Inzaghi, they are all great players.
ON TOMORROW’S GAME:
Real is a very strong team, with great players. For tomorrow I expect a great night of Champions League for the entire team and I want to do my best for this team.
ON THE NATIONAL TEAM:
A return to the national team? I don’t think about anything else apart from Milan, I think about doing my best here, then returning to the national team will come naturally, but my priority now is to do well for Milan, then we’ll see for the national team.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF MILAN WINNING THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:
Milan can win the Champions League? Yes I think so, Milan is a great team with a great history in the Champions League. I think that we can do well, it’s difficult but not impossible.
Leonardo press conference
AC Milan coach Leonardo spoke to the press ahead of his side’s clash with Real Madrid at the San Siro.
ON TOMORROW’S GAME:
It’s a positive moment for Milan, then games like these always have their own story. We are coming from good results, but the atmosphere around such a game is created on its own, it’s always the right moment to play. I don’t expect big changes in the Real Madrid formation, because playing two close encounters, I think that it is normal to consider the last game for all, but I believe that in every team there’s a way to play which is not changed, I don’t think it will change too much for Milan-Real Madrid. Having different alternatives is a positive thing, because it means that all players today are in good condition, but we have time today to do so
ON RONALDINHO AND MILAN’S MOMENT:
On Ronaldinho there’s nothing to say, now he feels fine. Also the fact that he’s present here, to come to the press conference and take certain responsibility is something which enriches him. I think that the team started to have a positive change in the moment in which the players became available to sacrifice themselves for the way to play, this way the key to our success arrived. When the players decide to do in a certain way, things become simpler. I would have found a certain continuity surely creates an identity for the team, there are various moments, today we have many players who are coming a great period of form and this allows to make choices. This brought us to a path which allows us to play in a determined way. As a coach I don’t want to prove anything to anyone, I want to go forward with my effort. There are always different situations, but my only objective is to go forward in the best possible way, like we are doing.
Pirlo and Seedorf have an important role in the team’s tactics, but I think that the entire team must be available in certain moments and that also the ability to suffer will be decisive. We shall have to be intelligent in knowing that we play in a certain way and able to manage at our best our strength. There’s a whole balance in the players who themselves know what they must do. We shall have to be good to maintain this balance All of this is giving me awareness to live the moment: these are all new things and emotions, in all senses. I don’t think about my future, I live the day and I’m obtaining great emotions, in the good and in the bad. Living this role as Milan coach, also from the life level it is helping me to learn a lot and these are things that go from one extreme to another, they help me grow, then for the future I don’t know.
Pellegrini press conference
During Monday’s press conference, Manuel Pellegrini recognized the importance of winning in Milan if thet team plans of finishing top in Group C.
Are you going to continue rotating players?
We will see tomorrow. There are still 24 hours until the game begins. We need to see how some players have recovered and then we will make a decision.
Is this a statement game?
Winning is important if we want to qualify for the next round. It’s a big game between two great teams. We will go for the win from the very first minute. I hope things go well and that we recover the top spot, but even then we still must win the two remaining matches of the group stage.
Have you thought about moving Sergio Ramos from the wing to center back?
He can play in either position. He has had some ups and downs in recent years. This season is barely under way. You cannot forget that Sergio is a starter for the national team. He is a right back, but he is versatile and he did a great job as center back on Saturday after Albiol was sent off. We will determine where he plays based on the team’s needs.
Have you placed special emphasis on anything in particular relating to the first leg?
It was a special match. Milan scored the equalizer and quickly took the lead, but by their own merits, not our mistakes. We played well, but we got disorganized when we were losing. Milan have a lot of experience including many European Cups. We need to maintain balance and order in order to have a good match.
What does Kaka need to be the champion he was when playing for Milan?
Any player who changes from one league to another needs time to adjust. Kaka is always important to us, just like he was on Saturday. I am sure he will be the same star in Spain that he was at Milan.
Does that fact that Florentinto Perez recently gave you a vote of confidence put your mind at ease?
I was calm to begin with. The top brass has a serious project under way. Everything else is just rumors and I was never bothered because those rumors came from outside the club. We are one point off Barcelona, we have a ton of talent and we are competing for the top spot in the Champions League. All the speculation has nothing to do with what is really going on in the club.
Xabi Alonso press conference
Xabi Alonso offered Monday’s player press conference prior to training with Real Madrid at San Siro.
How is the team following Saturday’s victory against Getafe? Has the team’s spirit changed?
Our spirit is the same. You have good and bad weeks in football. Fortunately we managed to win on Saturday, but the Champions League is a completely different competition. We have to remain upbeat and play our best football against Milan if we want to make it into the next round.
Is the final score more important than the way you play?
Our game plan must include winning. We always try to play the way we like to by carrying the initiative. Tomorrow’s outcome is pivotal and we want to combine good results with attractive football.
What lessons were learned in the first leg in the Bernabeu?
It was the tale of two halves. Milan really did a lot of damage in the second and we lost control. They have some players who can really change the course of a game if we don’t play as a team. We have to play smart football.
You played against Milan while you were with Liverpool?
They still have a solid foundation and players who are very competitive, which is why it will be a tough match. We want to make a statement by earning a victory. I wasn’t able to visit San Siro with Liverpool. It is a nice stadium and I have heard a lot of good things about it. I hope I can live it first hand tomorrow.
What has Kaka said about the game?
It is a special match for him. He had some great years here and he will get to see some former colleagues. He hasn’t had much to say. We played Milan a couple weeks ago and not much has changed.
Pardeza press conference
Real Madrid Sporting Director, Miguel Pardeza is absolutely positive that the Whites will leave Milan victorious.
How is the appeal over Albiol’s red card coming along?
We will present it today. We hope our arguments that have been based on judicial facts are heard and that the appeal is approved..
What are your thoughts on tonight’s game?
It is important for two reasons. It will give us peace of mind in terms of qualifying and it can allow us to forget about the defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu. The team can extend its winning streak following the Getafe match, gain credibility and build strength for upcoming matches.
Pellegrini can also earn credibility from fans.
Real Madrid isn’t easy for anyone. Credibility needs to be earned on a daily basis. The club is pleased with his work. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Expectations were sky high. He is doing a good job and people can remain calm because the team is in great hands.
Raul may be left on the bench after the look of last night’s workout.
The starting eleven has yet to be confirmed. Several options are being considered. All that matters is that those who start and those who sit realize how important tonight’s match is and that they have to be ready and willing to help their team.
It would be quite a statement if he was left off.
Raul has played some matches and been left on the bench for others, just like his teammates have. He is an incredible professional. What he means to this club is priceless. I am sure he will give 100% if he plays, and I am sure he will support his teammates if he has to wait his turn.
Is right now the time to win at San Siro?
Real Madrid have been unable to win here, but statistics are meant to be broken. Italian teams have also had a hard time at the Bernabeu, but a Milan team struggling in the Calcio proved that great teams never have bad patches if they don’t allow them. Matches such as this one are a great chance for great clubs to restore their reputation.
Álvaro Negredo shining
Since making his debut for Sevilla against Valencia, coming as a substitute in the 37th minute on a 0–2 away loss, Negredo has scored twice in the league. On his second appearance, he scored his first goal, against CA Osasuna, in an eventual 2-0 home success. And last week he opened the scoring against Xerez in a 2-0 win in Xerez.
He is yet to open his account in the Champions League though.
On October 6, Negredo received his first call to the Spanish senior team, for a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Armenia (on the 10th), following the injuries to David Villa and Daniel Güiza. He made his debut replacing Fernando Torres early in the second half, in an eventual 2-1 away win. Four days later, Negredo started and scored twice (also providing two assists) in another away fixture, against Bosnia and Herzegovina (5-2 triumph), as Spain eventually won all ten group matches.
The Galáctico in Gonzalo Higuaín
We have seen the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Paco Gento, Hugo Sanchez, Michel, Ivan Zamorano, Fernando Hierro, Michael Laudrup, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Roberto Carlos, Raul Gonzalez, Iker Casillas, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka enlighten the Santiago Bernabeu wearing the famous white jersey. All are definitely legends and are truely Galácticos. No doubts about that and we love them. No doubts about that either. Talking in those lines if there is someone else whom I would tip to surely become a Madridista favourite thereby a Galáctico then it obviously has to be Gonzalo Higuain.
Maybe the timing of this post might make you think that his brace from Saturday night’s fixture against Getafe has made me say this but it is definitely a fact that this has been coming for a while now. Here are a few facts that will help you deciding:
- El Pipita as he is known was signed by Real Madrid in 2006 for a sum of €13 million from River Plate. His first game for Real Madrid was on 14 January, 2007, against Zaragoza at home. Higuaín delivered the assist which resulted in the team’s 1-0 win.
- His first ever goal for came against Atlético on 24 February 2007 and his first goal for Real at home came in the dying minutes of Real’s encounter against Espanyol on 12 May 2007. It was this goal which enabled Real to overtake Barcelona into first place and thus helping us clinch our 30th League Title.
- On 4 May 2008, with Real down 1-0 against CA Osasuna in Osasuna, and needing just three points from their final four games to secure the 31st League title, Higuaín came on for Javier Saviola in the 67th minute and from a free kick, he assisted Arjen Robben’s equalizer in the 88th minute. Higuaín then struck the winning goal two minutes later to clinch Real Madrid’s 31st La Liga championship. And in the next game Higuaín came on from the bench against Barcelona to score with his first touch within a minute and helped Real win 4-1.
- On 24 August 2008, Higuaín became Real’s cup hero, scoring in the 89th minute, giving us a victory over Valencia and our eighth Supercopa de España. Real had then turned down a €25 million offer for Higuaín from Juventus. The same season Higuaín scored all four goals in a 4-3 win against Málaga and his last gasp winner at home against Getafe which kept the slender hopes of winning the league title alive.
- He finished the season as Real’s top scorer with 22 league goals, and 24 in all competitions.
Marcelo to AS
Marcelo sat down with AS newspaper discuss the team’s last league win against Getafe and their midweek Champions League encounter at Milan.
How did the team handle the first mini-crisis of the season?
We had a tough week on all fronts and we knew that it was important to beat Getafe to keep pace with Barça heading into our match against Milan. The fans cannot see their team lose 4-0 like it did in Alcorcon.
Did the win against Getafe mean more than just three points?
SIt also allowed us to put pressure on Barça. Our overall spirit improved. We all helped out and ran a lot. We are one point away from Barcelona. They are a good team, but so are we.
Why was their such a big difference between Saturday’s performance and that against Alcorcon?
The daily work hasn’t changed. Something things just happen in a way that we don’t like. People must be a little more patient. We were anxious to forget about the previous week.
Do you feel more comfortable in the midfield?
A winger in Europe tends to attack, but he also defends more than he does in Brazil. As a midfielder I have more freedom, which is why I stick out more when I play there. I do enjoy playing in attack, but I feel more comfortable as a left-back.
The team looked very orderly with you in the midfield and Kaka along the flank.
We were very organized against Getafe, but it depends on us, not the coach. We can beat whoever when we play well.
Do you have revenge in mind for tomorrow’s match against Milan?
Not revenge, but we are excited for the chance to finish top of the group. We will show a lot of winning spirit against Milan.
Was the slump caused by managerial errors?
It all began in Andalusia when we dropped points for the first time this season by losing to Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán two goals to one. But we didn’t realize that it was just a warning shot and the bigger calamity was yet to come. The following weekend was a win against Valladolid at home despite a really poor defensive performance thanks to a brace from Raúl and a wonderful goal from a tired Higuaín who had just returned after helping Argentina qualify for South Africa 2010.
Three days later came the first major blow. AC Milan came into the Santiago Bernabéu as underdogs hoping for a narrow defeat instead of a battering of a lifetime. Real lost Higuaín minutes before kick-off through an ankle injury that would rule him out for atleast a week. Despite that loss Real started the match well, clearly overwhelming a really poor Milan side and deservedly got themselves a goal after a horrendous error by the experienced but comical Nelson Dida. We even had a genuine penalty appeal turned down. But it was to be a tale of two halves. The second half saw Andrea Pirlo drill a goal past Iker Casillas out of no where and that was to be the starting of a major collapse. Pato got them ahead after an amateur error coming from Iker Casillas of all people. Drenthe came on for Granero to equalise but towards the wee hours of the game, despite a genuine Thiago Silva goal was disallowed, Milan scored the winner through Pato again after some schoolboy defending particularly from Marcelo. The game ended 3-2 in favor of Milan with Real still clinging on to the top of the table thanks to the goals they scored in their previous two Champions League games.
The following weekend was the second blow – a trip to Sporting Gijón. It took Real Madrid one half of the game to realise that the opponents weren’t AC Milan but Sporting Gijón as the hosts clearly played the better football throughout the first 45 minutes. The second half was a complete contrast. Real dominated the game as they should have but Juan Pablo, Sporting’s custodian, and the referee, who disallowed Raúl’s seemingly genuine strike, were not to allow them to score which was the only way they could have got three points out of the game. The game remained 0-0.
And then came the final sucker punch. Real traveled crosstown to the Santo Domingo stadium to face minnows Alcorcón in the first leg of the Copa del Rey last 32 match to face the most humiliating defeat in the history of the club. Madrid did not even have the excuse of having put out a starting XI made up of youth-teamers. Although Iker Casillas was replaced in goal by Jerzy Dudek, Cristiano Ronaldo was injured and Kaká and Xabi Alonso were left out, there was a place in the side for the club’s other galáctico, the €35m striker Karim Benzema. He was joined by the captain Raúl, plus Raúl Albiol, Guti and Rafael van der Vaart. Not one youth team player was included as Madrid travelled to the Municipal de Santo Domingo stadium just south of the capital, where temporary seating had raised the capacity from 3,000 to 4,000.
Alcorcón had fired three warnings in the opening three minutes alone and were 3-0 up before half-time, thanks to goals from Borja Pérez and Ernesto Gómez and an own goal from Alvaro Arbeloa. It was 4-0 eight minutes into the second half and Madrid were grateful the scoreline was not even more embarrassing: the home side hit the post and wasted a series of chances, while Dudek was Madrid’s outstanding performer.
But is all this because of managerial errors?
Vecindario 2-1 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla was convinced to get back home with its first away win this season, but luck was not on its side. It fell 2-1 to the canaries in a meeting that it began to dominate, but in which it could not find a way to overcome the hectic pace of the game. The goal, coming from a Mosquera penalty, was not enough to offset the two goals by Ruben and Johnny Coméndez.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Vecindario: Javi Ortega, Ruymán, David (Ventura, min. 69), Sánchez, Cruz, Rubén Coméndez, Karim (Gargallo, min. 60), Miguel, Jonathan, Poncho (Jorge, min. 78) and Saúl.
Real Madrid Castilla: Adán, Velayos, Marcos Alonso, Gary, David Mateos, Cordero (Fran Rico, min. 57), Vázquez (Moreno, min. 73), Raúl Ruiz (Cristian, min. 51), Acuña, Mosquera and Szalai.
Goals:
1-0, min. 18: Rubén Coméndez (Penalty).
2-0, min. 21: Johnny
2-1, min. 70: Mosquera (Penalty)
Played at: Municipal de Vecindario
Oh you beauty! ft. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué - former Manchester United, currently a Cataloon – scored a 93rd minute equaliser for CA Osasuna thus helping his own team drop two points at Pamplona. Nuff said.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Director General and Presidential Aide Jorge Valdano was satisfied with the good impression Real Madrid made in Milan. Manuel Pellegrini praised his men’s performance and said he believes Real Madrid should have won the match. Kaka returned to San Siro tonight and received a warm welcome from Milan fans. The Brazilian was happy with Real Madrid’s performance. Gonzalo Higuain and Ruud van Nistelrooy were very satisfied with the team’s performance in Milan. Xabi Alonso felt Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw at AC Milan was a good result. Arbeloa and Pepe were happy with the team’s performance but sad with the final score. Both men believe the team deserved more.
Valdano:
Pellegrini:
(more…)
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November 4, 2009 | Categories: Post-match Comments, UEFA Champions League | Tags: AC Milan, Álvaro Arbeloa, Gonzalo Higuaín, Jorge Valdano, Kaká, Képler Pepe, Manuel Pellegrini, Ruud van Nistelrooy, San Siro, Xabi Alonso | Leave A Comment »