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Europa League: Tottenham too strong for Anzhi Makhachkala with 2-0 away win

2013-10-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur took control of Europa League Group K thanks to a 2-0 victory over Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia.

Jermain Defoe opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the 34th minute and Nacer Chadli turned in a Kyle Walker cross five minutes later to double Spurs' advantage.

Anzhi battled hard after the interval in an effort to get back into the game but Tottenham never looked like relinquishing their lead and held firm to maintain their strong start to the season.

Anzhi's big-spending was brought to an abrupt halt in the summer, leading to a dramatic fire sale that meant there were only three survivors from the side that started March's last-16 clash at Newcastle in the line-up, while Andre Villas-Boas rung the changes for Tottenham.

There was a subdued atmosphere at the Saturn Stadium in Ramenskoye on the outskirts of Moscow, 1,100 miles away from Anzhi's home after they were forced to play European matches elsewhere due to the current conflict in Dagestan.

A fair number of Anzhi fans had made the long trip north and looked set to be rewarded by an early goal, only for Pavel Solomatin to be adjudged - perhaps harshly - offside before he could round Hugo Lloris.

Spurs were soon on top, though, with Walker getting a lot of joy down the right flank as the hosts sat back.

Defoe hit the north Londoners' first chance of the night wide after 11 minutes, with Sandro attempting a similar effort soon after.

Villas-Boas' side were keeping possession with ease as the pitch began to cut up, with Anzhi resorting to hitting it long when they got the ball.

Lewis Holtby forced Evgeni Pomazan into action with a left-footed curling effort from 20 yards, before Tottenham finally found the opener in the 34th minute.

Holtby played a fine ball to Defoe in the box, allowing the striker to rifle home into the roof of the net and move one goal away from Martin Chivers' club record European haul of 24.

Five minutes later and Spurs seemingly had three points wrapped up. Again Holtby was involved, playing the ball out to Walker, with the right-back slipping the ball across to Chadli to sweep home his second for the club.

There could have been another as half-time approached, only for Defoe to miskick after a Walker pull-back.

Anzhi brought on reported Liverpool target Lacina Traore at the break and it led to an improved second half for the hosts.

Lloris reacted well to clear a low cross-shot from substitute Andrei Eschenko and then palmed over a drive from Solomatin, who slipped under a challenge from Younes Kaboul.

The French defender looked in discomfort immediately after the incident and was replaced by Michael Dawson for the last 20 minutes.

Long-range Chadli and Holtby efforts were all Spurs had to show for their second-half display, before Defoe fired wildly over in the 83rd minute.

Lloris parried away a Solomatin effort as Anzhi searched for a late consolation goal, which never came as Spurs held out for a decent win in tough conditions.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/301011/report

by http://www.skysports.com/

The return of Saint Iker

2013-10-03T11:48:00.003-07:00

The Champions League returned to the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night and with it came the return of Iker Casillas in his first official match in the stadium since the 15th January.

Casillas enjoyed a relatively quiet evening, the one shock came just before half-time when both he and his defence misjudged the flight of a corner and Sigurdsson hit the bar, just as it seemed as if the ball would cross the line Luka Modric appeared to clear away any danger.

The second half was equally as quiet until added on time when Iker was called to make three mighty saves within a minute that managed to bring the 40,000 crowd that stayed on to its feet.

Iker's final minute of madness began with a stop in a one on one with Bolaños and from the resulting corner he had to be alert to deny Bengtsson with a one handed save that gave the Danish side a second consecutive corner kick.

It was at that moment when the crowd began with the classic chant of "Iker, Iker", just before he had to make another stop from the following set piece at close range. The three saves meant that Real Madrid managed its first clean sheet in quite a while. Whether it was a coincidence or not, the return of Iker coincided with his side not conceding a goal for the first time in 11 matches at the Bernabeu.

http://www.marca.com/2013/10/03/en/football/real_madrid/1380815880.html

by http://www.marca.com/

Wales alter Madrid's plans for Bale

2013-10-03T11:46:00.002-07:00

The Welsh Football Association has confirmed that Real Madrid player Gareth Bale has been selected for Wales to take part in the forthcoming international matches against Macedonia and Belgium

The unexpected call up to play for his national side comes despite the player suffering from an injury in a thigh muscle that kept him out his side's 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Wales coach Chris Coleman has made it clear Bale will not play one minute of either game despite the call up.

Two weeks rest
Madrid did plan for the Welshman to have a complete rest for two weeks from competitive games as part of his recovery, with the idea being for him to return in time for the match against Málaga.

Wales play Macedonia on the 11th October and Belgium on the 15th. According to the medical report provided by the club, the 24 year old winger is suffering from a "muscular spasm in his left thigh that needs to be constantly reviewed".

http://www.marca.com/2013/10/03/en/football/real_madrid/1380813574.html

by marca

Casillas escapes broken rib: "It's just a knock; everything's fine"

2013-09-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas has been given a fitness boost after it was confirmed that he did not suffer a fractured rib against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.

The goalkeeper, who was making his first competitive appearance for Madrid for 238 days, was substituted after 13 minutes of his side’s 6-1 Champions League win at the Türk Telekom Arena after clashing with team-mate Sergio Ramos.

The 32-year-old underwent medical tests at the Sanitas La Moraleja clinic on Wednesday morning, commenting afterwards: “It’s just a knock. Everything’s fine.”

Real Madrid’s medical team have confirmed that the injury is not serious, issuing a statement announcing that Casillas has suffered “a bruised left rib” and will now undergo treatment.

The Spain captain, who has been given the goalkeeper’s jersey for the Champions League by coach Carlo Ancelotti, will therefore return in time to face Copenhagen in Real’s second group stage encounter on 2 October. By As

The Ronaldo-Benzema connection

2013-09-18T08:17:00.001-07:00

The Cristiano Ronaldo-Benzema partnership bore fruit in Istanbul. The five goals between them showed good link-up between the Portuguese and the Frenchman, who continue to score goals in their preferred competition: Ronaldo has 53, and Benzema, 33.

Ronaldo has 53 goals in 93 Champions League matches and is within range of Van Nistelrooy, who with 56 is the third-leading Champions league goal-scorer after Raul (71) and Messi (59).

The Portuguese tallied his second Champions League hat-trick after the one he scored against Ajax in 2012-13, with both coming away from home. It is the fifth goal that he has scored against Galatasaray in the Champions League, the second-most scored upon opponent after Ajax, who he has scored seven against.

By Marca

Bale: "I have had zero pre-season"

2013-09-18T08:15:00.003-07:00

Gareth Bale said in the mixed zone after the game in Istanbul: "It was great to be back in the Champions League. It has been two or three years now. It is great to get out on the pitch and get some game time.

"It was good to make an immediate contribution with the free kick. I think I was involved in all the last three goals which was delightful. So it was just great to get back on the pitch and get some game time under my belt", he added.

"It is never easy coming on as a late sub. To make my Champions League debut for Real Madrid was a big thing for me. And it was just great to get some game time and get my fitness up", Bale said.

"I think everyone knows that we are going to be there or thereabouts. For us, it was important to get off to a good start and show what we can do. And we can score goals", the Wales international added.

"I am not too sure about my fitness to be honest. It is all about building up my game time gradually. I have had zero pre-season which doesn't help. I have had no game time over the summer. It is all about getting game time under my belt and getting my fitness up as quick as I can", Bale concluded.

by marca

Better Barça now than in the final

2013-03-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid is prepared for another clash in the event that tomorrow's draw pits it against the 'Azulgrana' outfit again. In fact, the team would prefer to face Barça now than play it in a hypothetical final.

This is the general feeling at the club after Barcelona knocked out Milan. Something has changed in the team. The players remain respectful, but their confidence has grown after the two latest 'Clásicos' played this season. The balance is three victories, two draws and one defeat. Over two legs, Real Madrid began the season by winning the Spanish Supercup and recently sent Barcelona crashing out of the Copa del Rey.

In the two league games, it managed 2-2 at the Camp Nou and 2-1 at the Bernabéu.
This means that they once again see themselves as being capable of outplaying them over 180 minutes. If tomorrow's draw throws up another 'Clásico', there will be no drama or predictions of doom.

The fear has vanished. If it comes in the semis, all the better, because that will mean the side has made it through another round. But given the choice, Real Madrid would prefer a double-whammy in the Champions League to a final – even though the most recent precedent is the cup final which Madrid won in Valencia against Pep Guardiola's men.

Piqué: "Bale can definitely play for Barcelona"

2013-03-10T05:34:00.001-07:00

One of the biggest sensations in European football right now is Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh flyer Gareth Bale, who is attracting the attention of clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Barcelona's Gerard Piqué, in an interview with the BBC, is full of praise. "He is an unbelievable player with all the conditions to play in the team that he wants to. The best players can fit in any team. It's true that maybe, because he's really quick and with the power he's got, he fits a bit better at Real Madrid, but he can play here too definitely".
Piqué says that he has a predilection for certain Premier League players like Van Persie and Rooney, and also admitted that English football is discussed a lot in the Barcelona dressing room. "Fàbregas loves to talk about Arsenal", Piqué reveals.

Diego López - United's nightmare

2013-03-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

Rarely has any rush signing due to necessity been as successful as that of Diego López for Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper, who arrived from Sevilla in January, made sure he was everywhere at Old Trafford, making himself a bad dream for the Manchester United forwards.

Diego López had already proved his skills during the Copa del Rey knockout against Barcelona, and last Saturday's La Liga game.

This time round, Real Madrid's goalie made none less than five miraculous saves from efforts by Welbeck, Van Persie (2), Carrick and Vidic. by Marca

Real keeps Champions League hopes alive

2013-03-05T16:04:00.004-08:00

Real Madrid booked its place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a gripping encounter at Old Trafford, where a Sergio Ramos own-goal put 'Los Blancos' on the back foot in the 48th minute. However, Nani's harsh dismissal in the 57th minute completely changed the complexion of the tie, with United withdrawing into its shell and Real Madrid bombarding De Gea's goal. Modric levelled the score with a superb drive from outside the box, before Cristiano Ronaldo crowned the comeback three minutes later, sliding in Higuaín's cross-shot at the far post.

José Mourinho's side was forced to show character in abundance to come from behind to defeat United. This rounds off what has been a week to remember for 'Los Blancos', with two wins over Barcelona and one against the Red Devils, including two triumphs on the road, taking Real Madrid to the Spanish Cup final and one step further on the trail to European glory.

Sergio Ramos put the hosts ahead after turning Nani's cross from the left into his own net, but the introduction of Luka Modric sparked Real into life. The Croat bagged a fantastic equaliser, but it was left to Cristiano Ronaldo – who else? – to get the winner. The man who came of age at Old Trafford returned to haunt his former side three years after departing for Real Madrid, for whom he has become a linchpin and a fan favourite.

by Marca

Cristiano the Camp Nou king

2013-02-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo did not skip his now regular appointment with the back of the net in a 'Clásico' match, scoring for the sixth time running against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. He has recorded some memorable statistics and now boasts eight goals in his last six visits.

Cristiano's run in enemy territory started in last season's Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid lost 3-2 but CR7 left his mark on the game from a corner kick. Then came the Copa del Rey 'Clásico', in which Real was knocked out after drawing 2-2 in Barcelona and losing 2-1 at the Bernabéu. Cristiano scored the only goal of the first leg and the first for 'Los Blancos' in the return match. Months later, Real Madrid and Cristiano hit back with a 2-1 win in Barcelona which gave it the Spanish League title. The Portuguese player secured the decisive goal on the night.

In August 2012, another 'Clásico' came around in another Spanish Super Cup, with the opening goal being the work of Cristiano. On that occasion, CR7 took it a step further and bagged himself a brace, as did Messi to level the game for Barcelona. Cristiano has now notched up 12 goals against Barcelona while wearing the white shirt, eight at the Camp Nou and three at the Bernabéu, from a total of 19 appearances in the fixture.

By Marca

COPA DEL REY | BARCELONA-REAL MADRID Varane and Kaká in fans' eleven to face Barça

2013-02-26T04:01:00.004-08:00

The readers of AS.com have voted for their Real Madrid line-up ahead of the side's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona. The eleven players chosen are: Diego López, Ramos, Varane, Pepe, Arbeloa, Xabi, Khedira, Kaká, Özil, Cristiano and Benzema.

The results of the survey suggest that most Madrid fans are happy with the performances of Diego López, recruited recently to replace the injured first-choice goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The former Villareal number one received more than 40,000 votes, over 37,000 ahead of reserve stopperAntonio Adán. In defence, the Bernabéu faithful have plumped for Álvaro Arbeloa at left-back. The Spain international is preferred to Fabio Coentrao, while Marcelo's ongoing fitness issues mean that he trails in as third choice to fill the left side of the backline. Meanwhile, defender Raphaël Varane has proved so popular that most participants in the vote were happy to see Sergio Ramos switch to right-back to accommodate the Frenchman at centre-back.

In midfield, Luka Modric and Michael Essien accrued the fewest votes. Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira are therefore the overwhelming fans' choice for the two deep-lying positions, whileKaká's resurgence following good performances against Rayo Vallecano and Deportivo la Coruña means he occupies one of the more advanced midfield spots alongside first-team favouritesMesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In attack, Karim Benzema continues to enjoy the backing of the Real support despite his own admission that he "could contribute more". Although fellow striker Gonzalo Higuaín scored against Deportivo on Saturday and appears to be finding form ahead of the Clásico, Benzema has eight thousand more votes.

Cristiano's 'Clásico' classics

2013-02-26T03:58:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid fans are once again pinning everything on Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 returns to Barcelona after leaving his personal mark on the last five games played there. He's scored six goals in five visits, making him a 'Clásico' classic if ever there was one.

He's repeated his 'Keep calm and carry on' celebration in the last three Barça-Real matches. In the last episode, CR7 went even further and scored a brace. Just like Messi. The duel between the two is one of the most spectacular in the world of sport.

In the 18 matches he’s played with 'Los Blancos' against Barcelona, Cristiano has scored 10 goals: seven at the Camp Nou and three at the Bernabéu.
Ant: Several previous results in Barcelona would suit Real

By Marca

Javi Martinez: "We're excited about Guardiola"

2013-02-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

Guardiola's signing by Bayern has certainly caused a buzz in the club's dressing room, to the point that players have been told not to talk much about the future. In an exclusive interview with MARCA, the Spanish midfielder talks candidly about the optimism the news has caused in the dressing room and his first months at the German club.

The former Athletic Bilbao player acknowledges that he felt some uncertainty following his switch to Germany. "When I signed for Bayern I was afraid, but it's going really well." When asked about Guardiola's arrival, Javi Martínez is very clear. "Will we play like Pep's Barça? Bayern and is already playing well. The dressing room is excited about him joining next season."

The Spanish footballer highlights the great organisation that exists in his new club and says that the team itself plays down the cost of his transfer. "Bayern is a huge club but it's like being part of a family. They told me quite clearly I should forget about the €40 million transfer fee they had paid."

In his first season Javi Martínez is looking forward to the challenge of the Champions League and recalls the traditional clash between Bayern and Real Madrid in this competition. "I grew up watching the duels between Real Madrid and Bayern and hope I can be part of one now." A dream that looks closer to coming true every day.

Varane banging down Real door

2013-02-15T12:00:00.004-08:00

Raphael Varane's fine displays in the Real Madrid defence have reopened an old debate that seemed totally decided - who to play in the centre-back positions. The partnership formed by Sergio Ramos and Pepe, along with those of Mesut Özil-Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso-Sami Khedira, was considered the most solid in José Mourinho's side. However, Portuguese centre-back Pepe's operation over the Christmas period allowed Mourinho to see what Varane is capable of.

The Frenchman has become a fans' favourite since he was drafted into the team. The club saw tremendous potential in the defender when he joined the club, but Mourinho opted to leave the player out taking into account his age - just turned 19. Injury to Pepe and Ramos's five - game suspension presented Varane with a golden opportunity to start for 'Los Blancos' and show them just what he was made of. In Madrid's clash against Barcelona, the Frenchman put on a fine display as he led his side's back-four, which persuaded coach Mourinho to put his faith in the centre-back against United - at the expense of Pepe.

Varane did not disappoint against 'The Red Devils' and came out on top against Danny Welbeck and Robin Van Persie.

Mourinho now sees Varane as the most in-form centre-back and will have to make a vital decision on who to select for his side's games on 26th February and 5th March, against Barcelona and Manchester United, respectively. The Portuguese manager is weighing up switching Ramos to right-back, as he is loath to drop any one of his three centre-backs.

by Marca

Pelé in hospital in Sao Paulo

2012-11-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, has been admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo.

A spokesperson for the Albert Einstein hospital of Sao Paulo confirmed that the former footballer, who won the World Cup with Brazil three times, had been admitted to the hospital, but gave no further information, at the request of Pelé's family.

Sao Paulo newspaper 'Folha' has reported that Pele went into hospital for a hip operation, in order to resolve a problem in his thighbone, while 'Globo TV' claims he will be discharged on Wednesday.

by: www.as.com

Sport pic

2012-11-08T10:15:00.004-08:00

Roger Federer beat David Ferrer to reach the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals

2012-11-08T09:57:00.004-08:00

Federer improved to 14-0 against the Spaniard as he ground out a 6-4 7-6 (7/5) victory at the O2 Arena in London.

He did not have things all his own way against Ferrer, who defeated Juan Martin del Potro in his opening match, but came through in an hour and 49 minutes to stay on course to defend his title at the event.

Ferrer headed into the clash on an 11-match winning streak following his triumph at the Paris Masters last week but, having managed only three sets in his previous meetings with Federer, made a poor start as his Swiss rival broke en route to an early 3-0 lead.

But that did not tell the whole story as the world number two was forced to fend off six break points in doing so and they were back level after Ferrer finally took his eighth chance.

As so often, though, Federer moved up a gear just when he needed to and, with his opponent serving to stay in the first set at 4-5, he emphatically broke to love to take control of the contest.

Ferrer had further opportunities at the start of the second set but once again could not take them, Federer saving two more break points.

The set remained tight throughout and Ferrer stayed with his opponent all the way until an inevitable tie-break, but once there an error on the sixth point proved crucial.

Federer had been immaculate on serve and took his third match point when a Ferrer return dropped long to become the first singles player through to the last four.

Redemption for ferocious Juventus Nordsjaelland thrashed in Turin

2012-11-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Juventus steamrolled Nordsjaelland in Turin by a score line of 4-0. Marchisio, Vidal and Giovinco found the net in the first half before Quagliarella followed in the second. Juve looked particularly fierce against the unfortunate Danes. They were foaming at the mouth, as they did last season when they resembled a beast that was hungry for goals. The beast was wounded this time, after the defeat against Inter, with a tangible desire for redemption. They thrashed a modest team, but it was the same team that held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Copenhagen. The run of nine consecutive draws in European competition has been broken. However, the path forward in Group E of the Champions League remains difficult. The match against Chelsea, who beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the 94th minute at Stamford Bridge, will be crucial. The Bianconeri are still in third, behind the Englishmen and the Ukrainians who are each ahead by one point. To be certain to qualify they need 4 points from their last two games. Juve also dispelled any possible doubts about their physical condition. They pressed high, stormed through their opponents’ box and then kept them playing in their own half for 90 minutes. It was domination without a pause.

Santillana: "Madrid needs prestigious players"

2012-11-08T09:51:00.003-08:00

Former Real Madrid striker Carlos Santillana has stated that the club considers "prestigious players who can sell its image" to be very important, although this does not mean that the youngsters should be forgotten and a "balance" needs to be struck between the two.

"Football has changed. There are massive signings, they cost a lot of money and they have to pay for themselves; but it's not easy. They have to support the youngsters, but they also need players who sell an image of prestige, which is very important for a team like Madrid. That's why they need to strike a balance between the two so that young players have a chance of debuting with the first team," he explained in statements during his involvement in the '2nd Conference in Support of Aid for Chad'.

Santillana does not like controversies such as the one which has put José Mourinho at loggerheads with the Castilla coach, Alberto Toril. "Whoever is responsible will have to set things straight and do things right, and these things should definitely not be aired in public until they are resolved, like what happened with Cristiano Ronaldo. It's important for them to be sorted out in the dressing room," he added.

"They should sit down, discuss it and find a solution. They should say how they have to treat the home-grown players and how they want to train them so they can make it. Everything that leaks out is bad for everyone, and the club has to step in," explained the legendary striker.

Celtic prove Barça can be beaten

2012-11-08T09:48:00.001-08:00

Good defensive tactics, an amazing performance by Forster in goal, a partisan crowd and a pinch of good luck. With these ingredients, Celtic cooked up a night in which Barcelona was unable to offer its best side.

The game took a turn for the worse for Barça on 20 minutes and a comeback proved impossible on the night. Considering how the home fans celebrated winning a corner, the whole of Celtic Park seemed to be aware of the aerial threat posed by the Scots.

Everyone that is, except Jordi Alba, who failed to mark Wanyama properly, allowing him to head the ball home at his leisure. The Kenyan midfielder took his chance and opened the scoring with a superb header.

Of course, Barça tried everything to turn things around and didn't give Celtic a moment's piece all night, but they lacked accuracy in front of goal.

In the first half, Celtic's defence made a number of mistakes – none of which were taken advantage of by the visitors – but it grew in stature as the minutes ticked by.

The hosts started to believe they could pull off the win, although that wasn't going to change their game plan. All that was left for them to do was continue parking the bus and resist Barça's continued attacks.

But, just as a Barça comeback looked most likely, the visitors suffered another unexpected setback. Forster kicked long, Xavi failed to control, the ball found Watt, who comfortably beat Valdés after Mascherano failed to close him down in time.

Messi gave Barça a glimpse of hope in the 90th minute, but the cards had been dealt and Celtic had pulled off a coup, not without first withstanding a four-minute onslaught from the visitors. Three points for the Scots, second in the group. Barcelona, two points ahead, remain in top spot.

Marcelo injured on international duty and will be out for three months

2012-10-14T18:26:00.002-07:00

Marcelo quickly left the Brazilian national team's training camp in Wroclaw (Poland) after fracturing a bone in his right foot. The Real Madrid left-back will be out of action for almost three months, according to an official statement by the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation).

The Brazilian left-back was injured in training and although at first it was thought that it was only a sprain, upon leaving the pitch unable to put weight on his foot, a medical examination at a Polish hospitalconfirmed that the injury was serious.

Marcelo was given permission by his national team to return as soon as possible to Madrid and it's likely he’'l need surgery. "I'll be back soon. There's a long way to go until the 2013 Confederations Cup and I hope to be there", Marcelo said. Brazil is playing a friendly against Japan in Wroclaw this Tuesday.

It just happens that Fabio Coentrao also injured himself, in his case a thigh injury in the 19th minute of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Russia last Saturday and he'll now miss Portugal’s next game against Northern Ireland.

Real Madrid is going to find it hard to fill the void he's left in the left side of its defence. An initial solution could be to move Arbeloa over from the right.

Benzema: "Ronaldo has always been my inspiration"

2012-10-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Karim Benzema is in a great moment of form for Real Madrid. After a start to the season in which Higuaín beat him to a place in Real's starting XI, the Frenchman has regained his place in Madrid's attack, scoring important goals against Manchester City, Rayo Vallecano and Ajax. In an interview in UEFA.com, the striker expressed his desire to continue working hard and improving.

"My ambitions have always been the same, to improve every day. I'm lucky to play at a great club. I need to have a good season, like the one I had least year, as well as playing well for my national team. What am I missing in order to be a great player? I don't know. I'm working hard to become a great footballer and I'll never stop working towards that", Benzema said.

The Frenchman's attacking skills have always been compared to those of Brazilian Ronaldo. The Frenchman acknowledged his admiration for the former Madrid player: "During my first season at Madrid I had the chance to meet him. I've been following him since I was a kid and he's always been my inspiration. In my opinion he's the best".

Benzema has also been compared to his fellow countryman Zinedine Zidane. "It's an overstatement to compare me to him, but he's a role model for what I'm doing and for what I want to achieve. I ask him for advice and he gives it to me. I hope to have a different career to his, but I hope to have the same success".

Milan plots Guardiola NYC offensive

2012-10-13T06:47:00.002-07:00

This isn't the first time Silvio Berlusconi has attempted to lure Pep Guardiola to take the Milan hotseat, but the team's stuttering start to the season – the 'Rossoneri' lie 11th in the Serie A table – has led him to redouble his efforts to land the former Barça coach. Milan number two Adriano Galliani has revealed plans to fly to New York – he claims he is visiting his daughter, who lives in the 'Big Apple' – at precisely the same time Guardiola's agent, Josep María Orobitg, is in Manhattan.

Orobitg and Guardiola had been scheduled to meet in December, with the coach briefing his agent to turn down all advances in the meantime. He was to take down the details of any offers and bring them to the table in December, when the former Barça boss would begin to make a decision on his future after his sabbatical year. But for some reason, the meeting seems to have been pushed forward.

Milan has sounded out Orobitg on numerous occasions since Guardiola announced he would be leaving Barça, and the Italian media are reporting that Berlusconi would be willing to offer him a four-year package worth €6 million a season after tax.

Guardiola is determined not to rush back to coaching this year, but Milan is equally desperate to get the Catalan tactician on board as soon as possible, whether for what remains of this campaign or in the shape of a pre-contract agreement for next season.

Kaká: "There's more to come"

2012-10-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

Kaká's revival continues to pick up steam. After four good performances for Real Madrid, the Brazilian forward continued his march back into form with his national team. The game against a poor Iraq side was a perfect stage on which to shine for a player who was sitting in the stands just three weeks ago. "I never lost the hope of coming back and experiencing what I am now. This is a personal resurgence that I have achieved gradually through a lot of hard work", he stated.

Thursday was one of the most special occasions of Kaká's career, although a few years ago he could barely have imagined that a friendly played against Iraq, played in freezing conditions in Sweden (temperatures were as low as 3° C), would be so important. What would have been a nuisance back when he won the Ballon d'Or has now become a lifeline. "I'm trying to make the most of every match, enjoy it and do a job for the team. I know that I have to take every opportunity I get to win back my place in the football world", the Brazilian stressed.

In Malmo, the forward looked like the Kaká of old, rolling back the years to his Milan days. This is the best shape he has been in since he joined Madrid, as demonstrated by the stunner he scored against Iraq after a 50-metre sprint. Now he is eyeing getting on the scoresheet more regularly: "I hope so. I think I've been improving and flourishing over the last few days and there's more to come. I'm in great form, I feel great physically and now I have the chance to ride that wave. Here's hoping that's the case".