Olympique Marseille 1-3 Real Madrid
The match at Stade Velodrome between Olympique Marseille and Real Madrid was physical, electric, straightforward and intense. The Madridistas sealed the group stage with another victory and qualified for the Last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Albiol scored for the Whites.
The match had a strong start from both sides and Real Madrid opened up the score with a terrific free-kick goal by Cristiano Ronaldo 30 metres away from target on the 4-minute mark.
But the Madridistas’ lead was short lived. Marseille desperately needed a win and, just a few minutes later, netted and equaliser through Lucho Gonzalez. The Argentine grabbed Albiol’s clearance close to the goal-line and scored for the locals.
Both teams incessantly looked for another strike and Real Madrid gradually took control. Ronaldo participated in every single one of his team’s attacks and came close to scoring when one of his shots hit one of the posts. Higuain, Pepe and Ramos were in the box and, one after the other, tried to send the ball to the back of the net from the several deflections that followed, but it was eventually cleared by the French defence (27’). Cristiano had two more chances to score (one from a header in the 40th minute) and Marcelo tried to net the ball inside the box in the last minute of the first half.
The Whites continued to control the match after half-time and to create danger in Olympique’s half of the pitch. Van der Vaart took a shot outside the box on the 54-minute mark and Marcelo later tried to score from a clearance by keeper Mandanda, but his shot was too high. The Brazilian had another chance just five minutes later from a great pass by Higuain, but the ball found the goalkeeper. It was Albiol who netted the second strike. Van der Vaart’s corner kick was cleared by Heinze. The ball then hit Ronaldo’s chest and fell at Albiol’s feet. The defender pulled rank and scored from a quality shot that grazed Mandanda’s left post (59’).
Benzema came on for Higuain (62′) and, three minutes later, Casillas tackled Niang inside the box. A penalty was awarded, but Lucho Gonzalez’s shot hit the crossbar. Raul came on and Real Madrid continued to dominate the encounter in the remaining 25 minutes, during which Cristiano Ronaldo tallied his second strike of the evening. The Portuguese player received a long pass and fell to the ground when he was met outside the box by Mandanda. He got up, controlled the ball and scored through the empty goal, sealing Real Madrid’s pass to the Last 16 as group leaders.
Olympique Marseille vs Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League | Group Stages | Matchday 6 | Preview
Real Madrid depend on themselves to make it to the Last 16 in the Champions League. They need a victory against Olympique Marseille tonight to qualify as Group C leaders.
Manuel Pellegrini has taken 20 men with him to the French city, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who injured his ankle the last time both teams met.
Throughout their history, Real Madrid and Olympique Marseille have come face to face three times, resulting in three victories for the Whites. They recently defeated the French side 3-0 at the Bernabeu on 30 September with goals from Ronaldo (2) and Kaka.
Marseille need to defeat the Madridistas with a three-goal cushion to qualify for the next round. If they fail to do so, they need Milan to fail to win in Zurich.
Former Madridistas Fernando Morientes and Gabriel Heinze play for Olympique. The match will also mark the return of Benzema to France, where he played for Olympique Lyonnais four years. He scored three goals in five games against Marseille during his stint in the French league, including the strike that eliminated them from the Last 32 of the French Cup.
Twenty men will travel to Marseille
Manuel Pellegrini called up 20 men for the match against Olympique Marseille, set to take place on Tuesday at 20:45 CET. Lass, who missed yesterday’s game due to suspension, made the cut.
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan
Defenders: Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Albiol, Garay
Midfielders: Gago, Diarra, Lass, Drenthe, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart, Granero
Forwards: Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini’s mind is set on winning the match tomorrow and reaching the Last 16.
Olympique Marseille need three goals. Does that force you to change your system?
No. We will look to win from the start and make it to the next round.
Is this a match for Raul?
Every match is for every player. We’ll see what starting lineup we come up with. We’ve talked much about Raul. He is a very important player.
What did you think of Olympique in the first leg?
We’ve watched all of their games. We’ve always known they are a complicated side and they will have the advantage of playing at home tomorrow. It will be a difficult game and I hope we do a good job trying to win.
Do you regard Diawara’s statements as a provocation?
I don’t. I don’t believe that was his intention. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player and he will give a solid performance tomorrow. He proved he has no physical problems against Almeria.
What role does Raul have on the team?
I’ve explained this many times. He is a leader both on the pitch and on the bench. He is the only man on the squad who has played in every game except for the last one due to a family matter. His role is still the same and I believe he is a very important player on this team.
If Benzema plays, will tomorrow be a good chance to see him at his best?
We’ll know the lineup tomorrow. Benzema is a very young player who is adapting to a new team and a new language. He has already shown his quality. We’ll probably see a great Benzema againsrt Olympique. We have a lot of faith in him.
Lass press conference
Lass said the match against Marseille will be special for him because it means returning to France. The midfielder said the team is calm but concentrated on the match.
It seems Real Madrid are quite relaxed. Is this so?
We are calm. We will play an important game tomorrow. I’m sure Marseille will fight to win, but so will we. Let’s see what happens.
Can Olympique score three goals against you?
Anything can happen in a game. We have much respect for Olympique. Everything is possible, but we are calm and we believe we can play a good game.
Will Marseille be more dangerous than in the first leg?
This is a Champions League team. They aren’t doing badly in the French league, but these are two very different competitions. They will be very motivated for the game, but we shouldn’t be afraid of them. We have a quality squad.
What’s Raul’s role on the team?
He does his job as captain well. He may be going through a hard time, but I don’t need to highlight his quality. He is a great player and a great goal-scorer. You should ask the coach why he plays less, not me. We all have great respect for him and we know he always performs well.
It must always be special to return to France. It must be special for Benzema too. He is being subjected to much criticism…
This match is special for me because I’m French and it always makes me very happy to return to France. We must now play against Olympique Marseille. Benzema has proven his worth. He is going through a delicate situation right now, but he is very young and he’s just made his most important signing. He will gradually adapt and will soon dispell all doubts.
Miguel Pardeza interview
Sporting Director Miguel Pardeza believes the team will win in Marseille and reach the Last 16.
Do you think it’s possible for Real Madrid to lose with a three-goal cushion?
No. I haven’t even dreamt it in my worst nightmares. I am incredibly optimistic and I’m convinced that the team will pull through. It would be fair for Real Madrid to win and reach the next round. Despite the defeat against Milan at home, the team has done well and deserves to reach the next round.
Do you regard Diawara’s comments as a provocation?
I don’t think they are. It’s hard for me to believe that a footballer has bad intentions. It was a very harsh tackle, but I don’t think he was looking to hurt anyone. I would nevertheless ask him not to hit Ronaldo the same way again so that he doesn’t miss another two months. It’s been a long time both for the player and for the team.
How do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will feel at a stadium as passionate as the Stade Velodrome?
I think he will be very motivated. Cristiano is terribly ambitious. We saw that the other day. He never gives up a match. No one on this team does. That’s good to win titles. The players must believe in their chances. Cristiano has always done so and he will continue to do so.
Have you spoken to him so that he avoids doing what he did the other day again?
It’s hard to restrain oneself at times in a game. I think he realised what he did. Difficult situations sometimes force players to make mistakes. The important thing is that players realise when they’ve made a mistake and that they try not to repeat it. They defend the Real Madrid crest, which besides titles symbolises cordiality and sportsmanship.
Will the Club punish players in the future for similar actions?
The Club has an internal disciplinary system. We react whenever the code has been breached in order to stand by our code of conduct.
Real Madrid Castilla 3-2 Universidad Las Palmas
Real Madrid Castilla was the only team to show up on Sunday and outplayed the second top team in the table, Universidad de Las Palmas to a 3-2 win. The visitors managed to score on the two only chances they had. Marcos Alonso was the first to find the back of the net, Rodrigo netted the equalizer and Cristian fired home the game winner.
MATCH SUMMARY:
CASTILLA: Adan; Velayos, Gary, Mateos, Marcos Alonso; Luis Hernandez, Fran Rico, Mosquera, Vazquez (Rodrigo, min.57); Juan Carlos (Tebar, min.87), Samuel (Cristian, min.70).
UNIVERSIDAD DE LAS PALMAS: Samuel; Soto, Sergio, Juanfra, Deivid; Alberto (Pachi, min.75), Futre (David, min.84), Eloy (Nacho, min.84), Ariday; Gustavo, Cristo Marrero.
GOALS:
1-0: Min. 10: Marcos Alonso
1-1: Min. 17: Sergio
1-2: Min. 38: Ariday
2-2: Min. 58: Rodrigo
3-2: Min. 85: Cristian
Notes: Week 16 of Segunda Division B Group II
Played at: Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
Benzema press conference
Karim Benzema is gradually adapting better to the team. The Frenchman gave a press conference the day after the match against Almeria, in which he scored a goal.
Are you happy with the performance you gave yesterday?
I played well yesterday and I’m happy because the team played a great game and won.
Have you adapted more to the team?
Yes. I have a new home and I’m learning Spanish to understand my team-mates better. This translates into good performances on the pitch.
What’s your view on having been benched in the past few games?
This is what being a football player is like. Sometimes you play and sometimes you don’t. You have to earn being a started and I’m working on it.
Do you think Real Madrid need to play with a natural-born striker?
It’s important to have goal-scorers. There are several forwards on the team an they’re all doing a good job. We don’t have a fixed position because the coach asks us to move around.
Did the squad talk to Cristiano Ronaldo about his double booking?
He said he was sorry. It could happen to anyone.
Did you understand it when he continued lamenting failing to score from the penalty after you netted your strike?
That’s normal. He was probably disappointed, but he was happy for me too. He is a professional who wants the team to win.
What do you think of your run at Real Madrid so far?
It’s still early. I want to play. I’m at a big club and there is a lot of pressure here, but I feel comfortable.
You’ll play in your country on Tuesday…
It’s always a pleasure to return to France. We expect the match in Marseille to be tough.
Ins and Outs | S01P04
#1
I am back with Post#4 and do I have big news or what?! Cesc Fàbregas, yes the real one, is apparently a €50million January target for Real Madrid. According to The Mirror, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are preparing to enter into a January bidding war for the services of Cesc Fabregas, according to reports in the Spanish press.
According to them, Marca claims that the Arsenal skipper has made up his mind to leave the club at the end of the season, but both clubs are preparing massive bids to tempt Fabregas away in the next transfer window as Real Madrid, again according to them, are also on the look-out for a world class midfielder. And with Steven Gerrard considered too old, they consider Fabregas to be the ideal partner for Xabi Alonso.
But Arsenal insist that €50million is too much money for a single player and thus are willing to offload both Cesc and Ramsey to Real Madrid, if we are willing to buy of course.
Also, Barça who are considered to be the front runners in getting his signature have actually pissed off Arsenal ever since they stole Thierry Henry from them making Real the only potential suitors.
Source: The Mirror
Degree of genuineness: 2.0
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano praised the players’ team work in their victory over Almeria. Manuel Pellegrini analysed his team’s victory over Almeria at the Bernabeu. Sergio Ramos and Pepe were very happy with the team’s victory over Almeria. Gonzalo Higuain was delighted with the victory over Almeria, The Argentine scored a goal and served an assist. Cristiano Ronaldo was sad about the double booking he saw against Almeria.
Valdano:
We were lucky to connect with the crowd and, with its help and the talent of our players, managed to take three points we deserved given our performance. We were forced to make a comeback at the start of the second half. The team has no physical problems. We dominated the match and managed to win.
Cristiano is a very passionate player and has a very positive effect on the team. His energy helps the team pull through when in doubt. Nevertheless, that passion makes him make mistakes such as taking his shirt off when he shouldn’t. I very much liked the role our midfielders played today. We will grasp the style we want if they continue to play like they did in the first half. Higuain is unstoppable when he finds room to attack.
Our performance in the first half was great and we should have scored two or three more goals before half-time. Almeria never stepped on our box and we dominated during the opening 45 minutes. We lacked concentration in the second half and relaxed. Almeria couldn’t believe they had turned the score around in just 15 minutes. The positive thing about tonight was that we managed to calm down and eventually win with many goals, which is what we should have done after 65 minutes of total dominance on our part.
I don’t think Cristiano did anything wrong. He lamented not scoring from the penalty, which is normal. He always celebrates every goal with his team-mates. Each person interprets things as they want, but I can guarantee you he is a good team-mate.
It’s a shame that he saw a yellow card for taking his shirt off; he should’ve avoided that. His double booking was fair because he took his shirt off and because he was involved in a series of fouls. He is nevertheless a creative player who doesn’t deserve to be sent off; other players make many more fouls and never see a red card. Regarding the penalty, it is up to the referee to decide. He decided we should be awarded one.
This team’s potential came through against Barcelona; we dispelled the doubts many people had, but that I never had. We’ve continued to work along the same lines and played a good game like many other clashes we’ve had at the Bernabeu, with a great first half. Things got complicated for us in the second half for many different reasons, but we were patient enough to turn the score around. I don’t agree with those who say we have physical problems; we set a very intense pace to the match during the opening 20 minutes.
Every player goes through different phases during a season. Benzema is a young player that will surely be very successful here. He scored a very important goal that will do him a lot of good. He knows there is a lot of competition at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid 4-2 Almeria
Real Madrid remain undefeated at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the 2009/10 edition of La Liga. The Whites’ performance was brilliant despite scoring just one goal through Sergio Ramos. Almeria came back and scored two strikes in the second half, but the Madridistas pulled rank and won 4-2 with further goals from Higuain, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid dominated from the start through Xabi Alonso, Granero, Van der Vaart, Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain. The team played a fast and vertical game that allowed Higuain, Granero and Ronaldo to have clear chances on goal that were saved by an inspired Alves.
Thirty minutes into the game, Raul Albiol cleared the ball to the right wing, where Cristiano Ronaldo controlled it and crossed it into the box for Ramos to score from a header.
Real Madrid put a siege oin Almeria’s goal throughout the first half, forcing up to seven players to defend inside the box. Nevertheless, in the second half, Soriano grabbed a clearance from the Whites’ defence and defeated Casillas with a shot that deflected on Albiol. Uche grabbed yet another clearance and scored a second strike for Almeria just a few minutes later.
The Whites eventually came back in the 72nd minute when Higuain dribbled past a defender inside the box and netted a beautiful goal. Nine minutes later, the Madridistas were awarded a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo took it and his shot was cleared by Alves only to land at Benzema’s feet for the Frenchman to score. Two minutes later it was Ronaldo who took advantage of a great assist from Higuain and netted the team’s fourth and final strike before being sent off with a double booking right before the end of the match.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa, Marcelo (Diarra 85′), Granero, Xabi Alonso (Drenthe 90′), Van der Vaart (Benzema 64′), Higuaín, Cristiano Ronaldo;
Almería: Diego Alves, Míchel Macedo, Acasiete, Chico, Cisma, Bernardello, Mbami, Juanma Ortiz, Soriano (Goitom 71′), Crusat (Piatti 82′), Kalu Uche;
Goals:
Referee: Mr. Estrada Fernandez;
Booked: Diego Alves, Macedo, Mbiami, Cristiano Ronaldo;
Sent off: Cristiano Ronaldo (88′);
Played at: Santiago Bernabeu;
Real Madrid vs Almeria | Spanish Primera Division | Round 13 | Preview
Real Madrid are ready to face Almeria tonight at 20:00 CET at the Bernabeu and to perform as brilliantly as they did at Camp Nou. Lass and Kaka will miss the match due to suspension and injury, respectively. Guti, Van Nistelrooy and Metzelder are also injured for the match. Fernando Gago, on the ther hand, has returned to the coach’s squad list.
Almeria coach Hugo Sanchez has recovered Crusat (who had to leave training on Wednesday due to a niggle on one of his knees), Chico (who had a sprain) and Guilherme (who was left out of the match against Athletic Bilbao for coaching decisions). Nieto and Fabian Vargas are injured, while Alex Quillo, David Rodriguez, Solari and Borzani will not travel to the Spanish capital following coaching decisions.
Almeria will be the seventh team to visit the Bernabeu in the present edition of La Liga. Real Madrid are, with Barcelona and Mallorca, the only team to have won all their home league clashes this campaign. Almeria have played at the Bernabeu four times and lost every time, conceding 3.5 goals per clash on average. The Whites defeated them 3-0 on Matchday 28 last season with goals from Marcelo and Huntelaar (2). The match will surely be special for Hugo Sanchez and Corona. The former made history at Real Madrid as one of the best strikers of all time, while the latter grew up in the Club’s academy.
Kaka and Lass unable to play; Gago called up
Shortly after Friday’s training session, Manuel Pellegrini posted the 18-man squad list for Saturday’s match against Almeria. Kaka is unavailable as he is recovering from a sports hernia and Lass will miss the match due to suspension. Fernando Gago has found his way back onto the roster, while Guti, Van Nistelrooy and Metzelder are out due to injury.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini expressed his opinion on the team’s performance so far this season during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
The team needs to continue playing well against Almeria.
I don’t think it’s a matter of playing well again, but rather what we have been doing all season long. Before the Clasico I said that we would play against Barcelona differently because we have other characteristics. Playing better or worse is a result of something in particular. We attacked and played neck and neck with Barcelona but unfortunately weren’t able to win. We were a dangerous opponent. Just ask Barcelona.
How is Cristiano physically speaking?
He is training without any problems and is improving. We’ll see how he gets on as he plays more matches.
Real Madrid has had a bit of misfortune. Cristiano is better, but now Kaka is hurt.
They are both important, decisive players, which is why they were signed. Teams are built for different motives. We managed to overcome Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence and we will do the same with Kaka. He will be replaced by a talented player. We hope he recovers quickly.
What did the team do differently at the Camp Nou?
I don’t think it is right to receive more praise for a defeat than for all the previous victories. Scoring twenty-plus goals in seven matches isn’t easy. Every we did well was forgotten and everything bad was brought to the forefront. We played the exact same way against Atletico as we did against Barcelona, and we dominated the first half against Milan and the second half was very even, but they were never better than us. None of our victories were unfair. We have always been better than the opponent. We are sticking to our ways and will do what we can in each match.
What do you think about your work being recognized even after losing?
We have won many matches by playing well over the course of many minutes, but it appears our defects receive more attention.
Lady Gago wants to leave – Almeria pre-preview
Fernando Gago is upset. We all heard the stories about what he does at home if he is dropped from a squad list – sit and cry at home. We even heard his rants about how desperately he wants to play for Argentina in the World Cup and that he is even ready to go back to Boca Juniors if that would ensure him a ticket to South Africa. The kid went crazy. But immediately after that he was called up for the Spain friendly where he didn’t fare too well. And all that he blamed on Real Madrid, for not giving him the chance he thought he deserved.
But when it looked as though the whole situation had changed midweek, when Zoran Vekic, both his and Guti’s representative, said that Lady Gago was not going any where and was staying put in January. And all of a sudden everything has changed, the player gave us all a shock.
And now, according to Marca, Fernando Gago wants to leave Real Madrid for purely sporting reasons. The player has apparently asked his agent to find him a way out of the club as he cannot “stand” the lack of playing time he is getting for them. The player is apparently not willing to wait till the African Cup of Nations to get a chance to play when Mahamadou Diarra will be off representing Mali. Marca even went on to say that Real Madrid are now regretting the fact that they didn’t sell him in the summer when Everton, a club having its own problems, were willing to pay 15 million Euros Argentine before settling for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
But Manuel Pellegrini thinks otherwise. The boss in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Almeria game has said that Gago will not be sold and will be used sooner rather than later. But that is what he said about both Sneijder and Robben. Either ways, Pardeza and Jorge Valdano will hold talks with Vekic in order to settle the issue. More on it as and when I hear about it.
Tonight’s game against Almeria will see Cristiano Ronaldo start for the first time at the Bernabeu since Matchday 2 in the Champions league against Marseille. If that is the good news then the bad news is that Real will be without the services of Kaka and Lass. The latter is suspended after seeing red in the final minutes of El Clasico and the former has a what they call a Sports Hernia. The medical report on Tuesday said that Kaka has pubalgia and will undergo medical treatment, physiotherapy and specific workouts this week.
Madridistas in WC2010 press conference
Shortly after the 2010 World Cup final draw concluded and Real Madrid’s internationals learned who they would be competing against next summer in South Africa, Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Kaka (Brazil), Benzema (France), Higuain (Argentina), Metzelder (Germany) and Van der Vaart (Netherlands) held a joint press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu to discuss their thoughts on the draw results and the competition.
IKER CASILLAS
What can you say about the draw?
We were lucky when you look at all the teams, but we have to respect every opponent. We cannot think we have the nine points in hand. We must play against great teams if we want to reach the final. The knockout rounds are the most difficult. There is a long time to go. It will be discussed a lot until then, but we will do as well as Spain is supposed to.
Your thoughts on Spain’s group?
I think Chile is the most complex. We played against them last year. They defended well. I know Bravo, who plays for Real Sociedad. They did well in qualifying. We are less familiar with Honduras and Switzerland. Spain must make it to the next round.
You may face Brazil or Portugal in the Last 16.
We have to play against the best teams in order for Spain to do well. We cannot reach the final against teams that aren’t favorites. There are some teams who always do well in the World Cup. We need to play like we have been and get to South Africa in the best shape possible. We will have to play our hearts out if we face Brazil or Portugal. It would be a real pleasure to cross paths with them.
How would you describe the Spanish national team?
It is a time for hope and excitement.
Several of your teammates play for teams who have won the World Cup.
Brazil, Argentina, Germany and France have already won it. We want to be there too. I envy Kaka because he is already a world champions. And Metzelder too because he played in a final. We will try to earn our first star on top of our crest.
Is the fact that no European team has ever won a World Cup outside of Europe a handicap?
It’s a coincidence.
Who will be the best player in the World Cup?
I hope it’s the entire Spanish national team. No player stood out in the Euro, but every one of us played a role.
Has the team forgotten about losing to the United States in the Confederations Cup?
We found ourselves in a unique circumstance. They scored on their two chances. They had luck on their side that day. We lost one match in ten. That’s it. They defended well and reached the final.
FIFA World Cup 2010 Draw – Kaka vs Cristiano
The 2010 World Cup got under way on Friday with the holding of the final draw. Spain is the top seed in Group H and will open against Switzerland on 16 June (Durban, 16:00). La Roja will then play Honduras on 21 June (Johannesburg, 20:30) and Chile four days later (Pretoria, 20:30). France drew Group A and will meet South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay. Group B’s top seed Argentina play Nigeria, Korea Republic and Greece. Germany square off against Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D, while Netherlands meet Denmark, Japan and Cameroon in Group E. Portugal and Brazil go head to head in Group G along with Korea DPR and Cote d’Ivoire. The competition kicks off on 11 June and concludes one month later.
Group A:
- South Africa
- Mexico
- Uruguay
- France
Group B:
- Argentina
- Nigeria
- Korea Republic
- Greece
Group C:
- England
- United States of America
- Algeria
- Slovenia
Group D:
- Germany
- Australia
- Serbia
- Ghana
Group E:
- The Netherlands
- Denmark
- Japan
- Cameroon
Group F:
- Italy
- Paraguay
- New Zealand
- Slovakia
Group G:
- Brazil
- DPR Korea
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Portugal
Group H:
- Spain
- Honduras
- Switzerland
- Chile
Higuain to uefa.com
After netting 22 top-flight goals last season, Real Madrid CF striker Gonzalo Higuaín has picked up where he left off, leading the Merengues’ Liga scoring chart this term and being rewarded with a first Argentina cap in October. The arrivals of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká at the Santiago Bernabéu might have had the 21-year-old fearing for his place, but he is again proving a key part of a side striving, as he tells uefa.com readers in this Q&A, to “become the best team in the world”.
With the arrivals of Ronaldo, Benzema and Kaká, did you think you would get a place in the starting XI? Personally I think you are in the best form of your career. Is that fair?
Raymond Asare
Gonzalo Higuaín: Well, this is Madrid and the club always tries to be the best, so you know the best players will keep coming. I knew this before coming here and I never complain. I fight every day to be in the first XI and never give up, but I also understand there is a team and a coach who will pick the players to help the club win every week. If I’m one of them, then I try to give everything for the team.
Can this team reach the heights of the Madrid side with Ronaldo and Zidane in the early 2000s?
Mpho Rapudubudu, South Africa
Higuaín: I don’t like comparisons. No one can doubt or question how well the 2000 Madrid team played and what it meant to the club to have players like Ronaldo, Raúl, Zidane, Figo or Makelele. They won the Champions League and we have not, but we are striving to do ‘the impossible’ and win and earn a place in history just like they did.
Are Real Madrid strong enough to win the UEFA Champions League?
Mihai Buzduceanu
Higuaín: Yes, Real Madrid always have a chance of winning the Champions League, no matter what the scenario, for one simple reason: Real are the greatest team in the world and that forces you to always take the starring role, to go forward and to win. If this sounds simple in practice, it is very difficult to achieve.
What have you learned from playing with Ronaldo and Kaká? Any new tricks?
Steve Main, Cleveland, Ohio
Higuaín: They are amazing in every way. On the pitch they are two ‘cracks’, as we say about the big stars, but off the pitch they are the same as the rest of us, which to me is very important. They are two very simple and humble men.
Which team-mate do you enjoying playing with most?
Kamal Qasem, Gaza
Higuaín: At Madrid I have the privilege of sharing a dressing room with some of the biggest stars in the world. I think I have a good understanding with Raúl because I’ve played in the same team as him for almost three years. It’s the same with Ruud van Nistelrooy. Having said that, with players like Kaká, Ronaldo and Benzema, I’ve been able to strike up an understanding very quickly because they’re great players which makes things very simple. When you’re on a pitch with players of that quality, it’s very difficult not to enjoy playing alongside them. Moves are much easier.
Marcelo to Grada Blanca
Real Madrid’s publication Grada Blanca caught up with Marcelo on the eve of the team’s match against Almeria.
Saturday’s match is important in order to stay hot on Barcelona’s trail.
We are improving a lot. We play at home which makes it all that more important. That said, even though this team is still growing, we are first in our Champions League group and second in La Liga.
Almeria are no pushover, as they proved in the Camp Nou.
Barcelona had trouble beating them at home. I have played against Almeria several times and I can tell you they are a team that has improved a lot.
What concerns you most about Almeria?
They defend well and have fast players in attack who are good at running the counter. We must always keep an eye on Crusat, Piatti, Uche and Goitom. Diego Alves is also an important member of the team.
Have you spoken to Diego Alves, your fellow countryman? Have you told him where you will score?
No, I have not. I would rather do it on the pitch (laughs).
Almeria’s coach is none other than Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez. What do you have to do to become a club icon?
I love being a part of this club, but I am hungry for more and am working hard to get there. I need to do great things on the pitch if I am to go down in the Real Madrid history books. Time will tell whether it happens or not.
You are doing everything right at home, where you have won all your league matches so far.
We are good at the Santiago Bernabeu. We aren’t too bad on the road either. We have visited some difficult stadiums to play in and we are only two points off Barcelona.
Happy Birthday Maria Gonzalez Redondo!
‘El Capitan’ Raul became a fifth-time father on Friday morning when Maria Gonzalez Redondo was born. She weighs 2.9 kg, is 48 cm tall and is in perfect health under the watch of Dr.Carmen Casquet at Monteprincipe Hospital in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid.
Happy Birthday Maria!
And congratulations to the captain.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Pepe press conference
Real Madrid center-back reasserted the overall consensus that the team performed well against Barcelona and that they must continue playing with intensity as a single unit.
How does the team feel after losing to Barcelona?
It was a very even match. We know we played well, but no one likes to lose, especially against their arch rival. We must remain focused and continue playing with the same intensity as in the Camp Nou.
Is there much of a difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona?
We are two different teams with two different mindsets. We are both talented, but we proved that we can compete for the league title.
Barcelona defeated Xerez last night.
They won, but they will still feel the heat if we win. We will both lose over the course of the season, but we must stay strong both physically and psychologically.
How does Cristiano Ronaldo look since returning?
He is an important player. He brings a lot of talent to the table even though we try to implement a certain style of play.
Is the team physically fit?
We are fine. I feel capable of playing 90 minutes without any problems whatsoever. I don’t think the team is in bad shape.
The team defended in a more advanced position in the Camp Nou. Was that a one-time thing or are we going to see it more often?
The coach studies each match and throughout the week we work on how to best neutralize our opponent. We are playing close to the midfielders, where we can steal the ball and score goals.
Zoran Vekic says his clients will stay
According to agent Zoran Vekic, Guti and Fernando Gago will not be leaving in January. Guti has been linked with a possible switch to Inter Milan, where he could link up with former team-mates Wesley Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o. Fernando Gago is reported to be concerned about his World Cup place as he is struggling to force his way into Manuel Pellegrini’s first XI. But Vekic, who represents both players alongside his partner Marcello Lombilla, does not believe there is any truth in the rumours over the duo and rejected suggestions of imminent talks with Inter over Guti.
He told calciomercato.it:
I can categorically deny the presence of representatives of Inter in Madrid in the coming days. There will be no meetings. The only thing I know about Inter is that Eto’o and Sneijder, his great friends, have said ‘Why don’t you come here? It would be nice to have you with us’, but nothing more. Just talk with friends. This is the 14th year that Guti plays for Real Madrid and ‘Marca’ speaks of him as ‘Blanco perfecto’, so I think the best thing for him is to remain in Madrid.
Well that is one of the lamest reasons I have ever heard when it comes to a transfer rumor.
Gago has been linked with possible moves to Fiorentina and Boca Juniors, but Vekic revealed recent discussions had been held to reassure the South American that he still had a future in Madrid. He said:
Real has spoken directly with the player after the match with Barcelona and said they count on him. In January, there will be the African Cup of Nations (Mahamadou Diarra will take part) and Lassana Diarra was sent off last Sunday, so Fernando will have his opportunities. It’s too early to say with confidence that Gago will stay at Real, but both the club and the coach spoke with Gago, renewing confidence in him. So I think it’s hard that they will consider deals for him in January.
At least as of now Fernando Gago doesn’t seem to have a problem as far as his Albiceleste dreams are concerned as both Gago and Gonzalo Higuian have been called up by Argentina to face the Catalonian national team in a friendly on 22 December in Barcelona. The match will mark Johan Cruyff’s debut as Catalonia’s coach. Argentina coach Diego Armando Maradona will miss the game due to the two-month suspension imposed on him by FIFA following his outburst after defeating Uruguay.
Its Messi, Cristiano and Xavi
Cristiano Ronaldo was first runner-up in the final 2009 Ballon d’Or standings. Lionel Messi became the first Argentine to win the award. The Madridista finished with 233 points, while Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez was third with 170.
The final standings (as ripped from the Ballon d’Or website):
1. Lionel Messi (Argentine, FC Barcelone) : 473 points
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United puis Real Madrid) : 233 pts
3. Xavi (Espagne, FC Barcelone) : 170 pts
4. Andrès Iniesta (Espagnol, FC Barcelone) : 149 pts
5. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroun, FC Barcelone puis Inter Milan) : 75 pts
6. Kaka (Brésil, Milan AC puis Real Madrid) : 58 pts
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Suède, Inter Milan puis FC Barcelone) : 50 pts
8. Wayne Rooney (Angleterre, Manchester United): 35 pts
9. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire, Chelsea): 33 pts
10. Steven Gerrard (Angleterre, Liverpool) : 32 pts
11. Fernando Torres (Espagne, Liverpool): 22 pts
12. Cesc Fabregas (Espagne, Arsenal) : 13 pts
13. Edin Dzeko (Bosnie, Wolfsburg) : 12 pts
14. Ryan Giggs (Pays de Galles, Manchester United) : 11 pts
15. Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelone) : 9 pts
16. Luis Fabiano (Brésil, FC Séville), Nemanja Vidic (Serbie, Manchester United), Iker Casillas (Espagne, Real Madrid): 8 pts
19. Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid) : 7 pts
20. Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux) : 6 pts
21. Andreï Archavine (Russie, Arsenal), Julio Cesar (Brésil, Inter Milan), Frank Lampard (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 5 pts
24. Maicon (Brésil, Inter Milan) : 4 pts
25. Diego (Brésil, Werder Brême puis Juventus Turin) : 3 pts
26. David Villa (Espagne, Valence), John Terry (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 2 pts
28. Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich), Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire, FC Barcelone) : 1 pt
30. Karim Benzema (France, Lyon puis Real Madrid): 0 pt
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United puis Real Madrid) : 233 pts
3. Xavi (Espagne, FC Barcelone) : 170 pts
4. Andrès Iniesta (Espagnol, FC Barcelone) : 149 pts
5. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroun, FC Barcelone puis Inter Milan) : 75 pts
6. Kaka (Brésil, Milan AC puis Real Madrid) : 58 pts
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Suède, Inter Milan puis FC Barcelone) : 50 pts
8. Wayne Rooney (Angleterre, Manchester United): 35 pts
9. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire, Chelsea): 33 pts
10. Steven Gerrard (Angleterre, Liverpool) : 32 pts
11. Fernando Torres (Espagne, Liverpool): 22 pts
12. Cesc Fabregas (Espagne, Arsenal) : 13 pts
13. Edin Dzeko (Bosnie, Wolfsburg) : 12 pts
14. Ryan Giggs (Pays de Galles, Manchester United) : 11 pts
15. Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelone) : 9 pts
16. Luis Fabiano (Brésil, FC Séville), Nemanja Vidic (Serbie, Manchester United), Iker Casillas (Espagne, Real Madrid): 8 pts
19. Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid) : 7 pts
20. Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux) : 6 pts
21. Andreï Archavine (Russie, Arsenal), Julio Cesar (Brésil, Inter Milan), Frank Lampard (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 5 pts
24. Maicon (Brésil, Inter Milan) : 4 pts
25. Diego (Brésil, Werder Brême puis Juventus Turin) : 3 pts
26. David Villa (Espagne, Valence), John Terry (Angleterre, Chelsea) : 2 pts
28. Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich), Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire, FC Barcelone) : 1 pt
30. Karim Benzema (France, Lyon puis Real Madrid): 0 pt
Garay press conference
Ezequiel Garay believes the team is on the right path. The defender said Real Madrid will be as motivated against Almeria as they were against Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are training aside from the squad. Is their asbence important?
They are training on their own and they are very important players on the team. We hope they recover as soon as possible.
Does the squad feel different after the good performance in Barcelona?
It hurt us to lose, but we also realise that we performed well. We must keep up the good work, focus on our next game and take the three points.
Sergio Ramos said yesterday that the fact that the team drops its performance level in the last 45 minutes is not a physical problem. Do you agree?
I do. We feel physically fit.
It seems you drop your performance level after scoring…
We must strive to continue to attack after scoring a goal in order to net another. We will try to do what the coach asks of us in our next game to take three points.
Will you be as motivated against Almeria as you were against Barcelona?
We have to be equally motivated in every game. We should always try to win. Every game and every point at stake is equally important. We have to prevent Barcelona from increasing their cushion over us.
Benz-ema mothers his Audi
Karim Benzema reportedly escaped unharmed from a minor car accident on his way home from Barcelona last night. According to Spanish sports daily Marca, the Frenchman’s vehicle was seriously damaged when he hit a barrier while traveling in the Madrid suburbs, but the player was not hurt.
Good ol’ Benzi, you could’ve crashed it on Puyol instead on some lame ass barrier. It’d have at least made everyone happy.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Just another Madridista
Kaka out till January – Marseille pre-preview
The Champions League is back. Matchday 6 sees Real Madrid travel to the Vélodrome in search of a victory against an Olympique Marseille side which could see them top Group C. Though Real have virtually sealed their passage to the knock out stages, anything worse than a loss by 3 goals coupled with a Milan victory in Zurich could see us knocked out from the Champions League and into the Europa League spot. On the other hand, Marseille’s only chance of getting through to the next round is by either sharing the points with Real in case of a Milan draw or loss or by beating Real by three or more goals if Milan take three points from their game in Zurich.
That said even OM’s coach Didier Deschamps has admitted that the chance of latter happening at the Vélodrome is one in a million. But then again, like we saw against Almeria nothing, no matter how simple it is, can be taken for granted in football. Speaking to the press prior to the game, the former Monaco and Juventus coach said:
Real Madrid welcome back Lass into the 20-man squad after the Frenchman missed the weekend’s action through suspension. Guti (thigh), Van Nistelrooy (thigh) and Metzelder (hamstring) are out through injuries. And so is Kaka. According to AS the Brazilian magician is out till January 3rd because of the groin injury he is suffering from. Real too do not want to take the risk of a premature return to action for the player in order to ensure a seamless recovery and hence are prepared to wait until and after the Christmas break. The report went on to say that if Real were to risk Kaka before he recovers completely the injury might just become worse and the player could see no action for 2-3 months thus jeopardizing his chances of playing in the knock-out stages. OM too have similar injury worries. Cyril Rool (knee), Julien Rodriguez (ankle) are out of the game whereas Stéphane Mbia (ankle) is doubtful and mostly will not play a part in the clash. Bookings to Marcelo or Lass could see them miss our next game and the same applies to Gabriel Heinze, Brandão and Stéphane Mbia.
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December 8, 2009 | Categories: Comments, News, Pre-preview | Tags: Fernando Morientes, Gabriel Heinze, Kaká, Képler Pepe, KF Tirana, Olympique Marseille | Leave A Comment »