Real Madrid News

BREAKING NEWS OFFICIAL: Real Madrid Sign Stuttgart Midfielder Sami Khedira

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:54:00 +0000

Khedira is set to sign a contract with Real Madrid after undergoing a medical...

Bundesliga side Stuttgart have confirmed the departure of holding midfielder Sami Khedira to Real Madrid. A report in Bild claims that the Blancos have agreed a fee of €14 million for the services of the Germany international. However, Stuttgart have not disclosed any details about the transfer fee.

The 23-year-old midfielder had already agreed personal terms with Madrid on Wednesday and will sign a five-year deal with the Merengues after undergoing a medical.

"Sami Khedira is a true leader on the pitch and he personifies everything that Stuttgart stand for. Therefore, it's not easy to let go of him," said Stuttgart sporting director Fredi Bobic on the official Stuttgart website.

"However, on the other hand, we couldn't deny Sami his dream move to Real Madrid. We'd like to wish him all the best at his new club."

Khedira had attracted the interest of Real Madrid with his excellent performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup and was since continually being linked with a move to the Spanish powerhouse.

The midfielder is a product of the Stuttgart youth academy and has made over 100 official appearances for the Schwaben since making his debut in October 2006.

EXCLUSIVE: PEDRO LEON TRANSFER FOR REAL MADRID

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:59:00 +0000

IT'S JUST TODAY THAT MARCA, in today's PORTADA, WHERE IT IS SAID THAT PEDRO LEON COULD BE THE NEXT NEW REAL MADRID PLAYER !!!!

more news to come soon,,

Angel Di Maria Completes €25m Transfer To Real Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Argentina international Angel di Maria has completed his move to Real Madrid from Benfica for a reported fee of €25m, signing a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The exciting 22-year old has been consistently linked with a switch to the Spanish capital, with the player confirming to his former Benfica team-mates that the deal was all but done.

Publication AS comments that newly appointed los Blancos coach, Jose Mourinho, had expressly asked for the signature of the flying winger, who is currently representing his nation at the World Cup in South Africa.

Assisted by the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, Real Madrid and Benfica reached an agreement for a fee of €25m, which is €15m less than the buy-out clause in di Maria’s contract.

However, in the wake of As Aguias’ chairman Luis Filipe Vieira disclosing in a TV interview that di Maria would be leaving the club in next few days, it is reported that the deal has now been competed.

Di Maria began his career in 2005 in his homeland with Rosario Central. He moved to Portugal in 2007, and in his final season at the Estadio da Luz he helped Benfica to their first league title in five seasons.

Now, he becomes Jose Mourinho's first signing as Real Madrid bid to halt Barcelona from winning their third consecutive Primera Division title.

Jose Mourinho, The Special One ..

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Fri, 28 May 2010 02:40:00 +0000

Jose Mourinho Will Be Real Madrid’s Next Coach

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Thu, 27 May 2010 01:40:00 +0000

Mourinho is for REAL..!

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has admitted that the club have chosen Jose Mourinho to succeed Manuel Pellegrini.

"We have decided that Jose Mourinho will be the coach," Perez told a press conference.

“Pellegrini has finished this stage at Real Madrid. We will hire Jose Mourinho as coach once his contract situation is resolved with Inter.”

Following the completion of his historic treble with the Nerazzurri in the Champions League final this past weekend, Mourinho had himself admitted a move to Madrid was likely and Perez is confident they are getting the best coach in the business.

“He fits in with the style of play at Real Madrid that is to win first of all, with sacrifice and virtue of team spirit,” he added, in regards to suggestions that Mourinho’s defensive style won’t go down too well with the fans.

“We have learned here at Real Madrid that we should not just settle for anything, and we could not pass up the opportunity of getting the best in the world."

Returning With Coach Bernd Schuster !,,,,Finnaly!!

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:59:00 +0000

Being bored with the team performences under the orders of Mr.Capello, and his defensive set, I was really having big problems to up date the Realmadrid's Blog and to make it more interesting than the reality it self !!!
I hope that this would not change the site supporters of their views about my work, because like every 'Madridista' I had to wait to look if everything would work after such a big changement of ideas and ways of work!
Mr.Schuster made us thinking about the worst in "La pretemporada" when he was trying to use every player to evaluate the team. Now he has known every player's limits he made a great start of the season, and because La Liga is too long,,,we have to expect everything including a great performance in the three Cups we are fighting for !!
Having more capabilities to transmit bigger range of news "videos,images,articles from international and national magazines" I would do my best to make you up dated to every little detail about the Pre-match,The match,and the post-Match about our CHAMPIONS REAL MADRID !!!

Robinho and Cannavaro: "We are going to fight until the end; we have to win for the fans"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 23:01:00 +0000

There are still 90 crucial minutes

Objective: Mallorca. That's the only thought of the Madridista squad since the referee blew the final whistle at La Romareda. The 2-2 result opposite Zaragoza and the draws of Barcelona and Sevilla have allowed the Whites to continue leading the table and to depend exclusively on them to be champions: “We deserve to be there because we have a big heart,” said World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro.

ROBINHO: “There's still 90 crucial minutes ahead of us”
“We have suffered greatly but we ended up getting a draw that gets us one step closer to League glory. We played well, but we can do a lot better. Let's hope we are champions next Sunday.”

“Feelings of euphoria are for the fans to enjoy. There's still ninety crucial minutes to be played and we need to win.”

CANNAVARO: “We have a big heart”

“It's incredible. We deserve to be where we are because we have a big heart. This is what football is. You have to be there to live it up.”

“It was a tough game because Zaragoza are a good side which plays quality football and has many talented players. This week, we only trained once with a full squad. That is why we had many difficulties.”

“Luck is key in life, not only in football. It's very important, but if you play professionally and pouring out your heart, things come around.”

“We love the support of the fans. We've had many people here with us tonight. We need to win for the fans”.

Realmadrid.com
Photo by Daniel Sastre

Real Madrid 2-2 Zaragoza Video Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:25:00 +0000

Real Madrid 2 - 2 Zaragoza
Video Highlights

Zaragoza 2-2 Real Madrid: Ninety minutes at the Bernabéu are all that separate Real Madrid from League bliss

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 02:15:00 +0000

The complete turaround was not possible this time, but Madridismo smiled on as the referee whistled the end. At their home pitch of La Romareda, Zaragoza once again proved why they are a serious European contender, with two strikes by Pichichi hopeful Diego Milito. Meanwhile, Real Madrid completed their subscription to heart-stopping endings. They achieved a last-gasp draw once again thanks to the extraordinary work of marksman and virtual Pichichi Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who netted in both equalisers during the match. The last minutes of the encounter were a total siege by the Whites, honouring one of Real Madrid's longest-standing values: you never give up. And so they did. The League will be decided in the last week of the competition after the top three added the exact same number of points to their scoreboards: Barcelona and Sevilla also drew their matches. The title will be decided at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Just one more final to go.

The rain was ever-present during an exciting night of football at La Romareda. With many Madridistas on the stands, the fans of both sides could not hide their emotion and high energy. While both eyes were on the pitch, everyone was also glued to their transistor radios as is mandatory when the League approaches its ending and things are this tight. The first piece of bad news came during the warmup when youth product Miguel Torres fell injured. Fabio Capello was forced to move his pawns around, introducing Iván Helguera in the centre of the defense and shifting Sergio Ramos to the right. David Beckham's position in the starting eleven was confirmed after the bad twist to his ankle during international duty had put his participation at stake. The team would surely need his spirit if they wanted to make their dreams come true.

Kickoff was at 21.02. The locals took height from the very start, spurred on by their European hopes. The first serious Aragonese chance came at 21.07 with a range shot by Brazilian forward Ewerthon. It was evident that Zaragoza kept their eye on the ball thanks to their electric and fast-paced partnerships in midfield: Celades-Piqué on the defensive facet and Aimar-D'Alessandro on the attacking front. The first goalkeeping effort by Casillas came nine minutes into the game after a long-distance attempt by the latter. Meanwhile, Real Madrid tried to produce a more direct game, looking for the ball-through's to set up swift counters.

Robinho led his team's offensive pace during this first act. Real Madrid's first shot on target was his at 21.13, but César stopped it. Two minutes later, the Brazilian did it again, whipping a ball wide onto the side netting after a service by David Beckham from the right by-line. Emotions were running high and got out of control for the Madridista fan base when Espanyol's Tamudo scored the opener at the Camp Nou… The clock at La Romareda was exactly two minutes past the half-hour mark and Fabio Capello celebrated a goal that gave the Merengues the lead. But the joy wouldn't last long.

Bad start...
Just two minutes later, at 21.34, the referee called a handball by Iván Helguera inside the box and made his way to the penalty spot. Even though Zaragoza had had the better of the chances, it seemed like excessive punishment for the Whites. The Aragon side took advantage of the offering with marksman Diego Milito coolly scoring from the 11-metre mark. But there was even more room for added bad news: at 21.45, Barcelona's Leo Messi equalised scoring with his left hand. Just before halftime, Real Madrid striker Van Nistelrooy had the equaliser with a point-blank header coming off a cross by Ramos, but once again former-Real Madrid stopper César denied the Madrilenians. It was truly a host of problems and misfortunes for the Madridistas, who still had 45 minutes ahead of them to seal a turnaround on a matchday that was not going their way after all.

...Happy ending!
The Whites were not making things happen in midfield. Lots of tackling but no creativity forced coach Capello to make two very attacking-minded susbstitutions: José María Gutiérrez “Guti” and Gonzalo Higuaín came in for Raúl and Emerson. At 22.15, the Camp Nou celebrated another goal by Messi; Barça took the lead in the game and furthered it in the table. But this time, it was the red-and-blues who had little time to savour their joy as Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored his team's first of the night for the equaliser at exactly 22.17. The cross once again came from Sergio Ramos and the Pichichi made it his seventh consecutive matchday putting balls in the back of rival nets with a fantastic steer of the head and into the top corner of Cesar's goal.

But Zaragoza were no pushover and they kept at it in their search to confirm their UEFA Cup objective. At 22.23, their best player, Diego Milito, finished off a wonderful run by Aimar beating Casillas with a cool, calm, and composed finish. Real Madrid needed to up their intensity a few notches if they didn't want to say goodbye to their League hopes. The physique of the Saragossans started to dip and all Madridistas were clinging on to the furiously-paced endings that the players are treating their fans with in this last stretch of the Primera Liga.

The siege of the Whites began at 22.30: counter by Guti, header by Ramos, shot on target by Van Nistelrooy, set pieces by Beckham, header wide by Diarra, one on one missed by Higuaín… It seemed like the ball did not want to go in and then there was César with a spectacular performance all through the night. It was all suffering but the best was in store for the end.

The string of chances finally payed off: it was 22.49 and the box killer, Real Madrid's number 17 equalised once more following a cross by Roberto Carlos. Just 20 seconds later, the other striker of the night, Raúl Tamudo, made it a final 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou... Happy ending, therefore, as players, coaching staff, and President evidenced when the final whistle blew. With the triple draw by the three sides at the top of the table, things are very much the same with just one more game to go. Real Madrid have a chance of sealing La Liga at the Bernabéu next week against Mallorca. One more final, ninety minutes, and off to Cibeles!

MATCH REPORT
Zaragoza: César; Zapater, Sergio García, Gabriel Milito, Chus Herrero; D'Alessandro, Piqué, Celades (Lafita, min.), Aimar; Ewerthon (Movilla, min.55) and Diego Milito (Óscar, min.85).
Real Madrid: Casillas; Torres, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Beckham, Diarra, Emerson (Guti, min.45), Robinho (Robinho, min.66); Raúl (Higuaín, min.45) and Van Nistelrooy.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco, Navarre Refereeing Association. Booked Helguera (min.33), Sergio Ramos (min.36), Diarra (min.65), and Sergio (min.77).
Goals:
1-0 (min.31): Penalty transformed by Diego Milito.
1-1 (min. 56): Header by Van nistelrooy de cabeza.
2-1 (min.63): Diego Milito after a service by Aimar.
2-2 (min. 88): Van Nistelrooy after a clearance inside the box.
Highlights:
Matchday 37 of the Spanish Primera Division. Game played at the La Romareda stadium. Attendance: 35,000. Prior to the beginning of the game, Zaragoza presented César Jiménez with the Gold and Diamond Insignia. The former player did the honourary kickoff on the day that marks his final goodbye to professional football due to a very serious injury.

Match summary by Cristina Monge
Photos by Daniel Sastre
Special correspondents to Zaragoza
Translation by Luis Orueta

Fabio Capello press conference:"We are extremely focused and we'll play a great game"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 02:05:00 +0000

Real Madrid's game against Zaragoza at La Romareda Stadium is the first of the two 'finals' they have left until season's end. The team has chances of winning the League title on Saturday, but Fabio Capello remains calm. The coach considers the fixture to be as important as all the rest and won't care about how the other contenders to the title do on Saturday.

How's Beckham?
He only jogged and didn't do any technical exercises. He says the sprain hurts a bit but that he will be fine to play tomorrow because he nevertheless feels OK.

How do you feel about having been able to work with all your players only for an hour this week?
This game is another 'final' for us, like all the rest. It's obviously been hard to prepare for such an important match in only one day, but I am confident of playing well tomorrow.

How do you feel? What do you say to a player at a time like this?
It's hard to find a right balance. It sometimes doesn't work to talk to them about what's at stake because it puts pressure on them. I try to keep them calm and let them prepare for the game their own way. They all know tomorrow's fixture is terribly important. I'm as excited as they are.

Are any other internationals on the squad tired?
They are all very excited about playing. I've liked their attitude and work very much today.

A decision will be made this evening regarding Ronaldinho's booking. How would you feel if his red card is rescinded?
You know I don't like talking about those things.

How important will tomorrow's game be psychologically speaking?
I'm happy with the fact that Zaragoza need to win to play in the UEFA Cup next year. They won't be relaxed and the game will be hard for both teams. Psychologically, the game will be equally important for us both.

Did you watch Beckham's England games this week?
I think he played as well as he is currently playing here. He was very important in those fixtures; his cross for the second goal was extraordinary.

Do you fear your players may be too euphoric?
We are not euphoric because we still haven't won anything. We know we can do well and we are focused on working hard.
Do you like your benched players to be aware of what's happening in games that take place at the same time?
No. I've never allowed it. We should only think of ourselves. We won't do well if we think about other teams' games.

Twenty years ago, both sides faced each other under the same circumstances; Real Madrid had to win to take the title and Zaragoza needed a victory to play in the UEFA Cup. Do you like to dwell in the history of past games?
I don't generally look back. We will all live happy and difficult times in life, but I am always optimistic.

Is the squad especially motivated?
They know they can win and they talk with each other. I liked their attitude today because they really looked like a united team. They were more motivated this morning than ever before in days prior to a game.

Many players have said you should still be the coach next season. What do you think of that?
I thank them for their kind words, but it's up to me to decide what to do.

The President recently said Robben may join the team.
He knows what he has to say. I like to talk about players when they're part of the team.

Is Diarra one of the players to have inflicted a stronger character on the team?
I think we have all inflicted a stronger character on the team. He came from a winning side and really wanted to be successful here, but every player has tried to give the team a strong character.

Report by Arancha Díaz
Photography by Daniel Sastre
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Casillas in La Vanguardia: Playing well, poorly, with luck, or without it, we're winning our matches"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:52:00 +0000

Even though he's on international duty with the Spanish national team, Iker Casillas had time to speak to Spanish daily La Vanguardia about the sweet patch Real Madrid are experiencing in the League. "It's a reward that this squad deserves," said the goalkeeper, who is very confident in the team's chances of winning the title.

Everything seems to be clicking again in Madrid. How do you feel?
Very well, especially if I look back on all these years that we struggled and didn't bring home a title. Now that we've put in so much dedication and hard work to regain the lead, we're not so willing to relinquish it. We want to do our very best in these last two matches because we have already made the effort to give much more than we really could.

Has the hard part been taken care of?
We've done our best not to lose the enthusiasm we started off with and we're hoping to keep it up in these two remaining games.

Is it easy to forget about the League during these days you are with the national team?
Not really. There is such a close race for the League and everyone was so excited to see a storybook finish. This two week stoppage has been a sour note for everyone.

Yourself included?
We are professionals and I personally don't have a problem changing from one thing to the next. The League championship is at such an exciting stage and the match against Zaragoza is so important, but so are national team matches. Any talk about Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Espanyol, or Sevilla doesn't help, and that's why they are rarely mentioned here.

Are you suppressing your euphoria?
You have to be cautious at times, but I am sure I'll be one of the happiest people in the world when the time comes. I can control myself if the moment calls for it, but when it's time to celebrate, I am one of the craziest out there.

Is a player with so many matches and low points this year mentally fresh or just as tired as his body?
Both mentally fresh and tired. The excitement that comes with the chance of winnng the League has been a breath of fresh air. I am sure we would be mentally exhausted if we were four of five points off Barça. And physically, let's not even go there. It's exactly what happened to us the last two seasons.
The title is yours to win, but wouldn't it be a huge downer for the team if Barcelona ended up with it?
No. The downer will be for Barcelona if they lose the League because they've won it the last two seasons and they were in control for a large part of this year. We've been in the lead two or three times and, as former motorcycle racer Ángel Nieto said, with a few curves left, we're now in front after being pretty far behind. Honestly, what Madrid is going through right now is a great reward for this deserving squad.

But you've been criticised so much.
A lot has been said about Madrid, much of it negative. Those of us who have been here a long time have suffered more for our fans than ourselves. Surely some of the criticism has been deserved, but I would rather hear it at the end of the season. All we have left to do is listen, see, silence the critics, and continue battling it out on the field of play just as we've done.

And with a little luck, too.
True. Sometime we play well and sometimes poorly; sometimes we've gotten lucky, and sometimes we haven't. I agree with the comment, but we are winning our matches.

Have you grown more with all the success you've enjoyed or with the adversity you've experienced over this three year drought?
During the adversity, of course. It's always great to go from bad to good, but it's also interesting doing the opposite and then recovering again after learning many things. That's perhaps when you learn the most. We have won Leagues, European Cups, InterContinentals, practically everything... And then you go to not winning a thing. Winning the League now would be the culmination of the greatest success. It's odd. Several years ago, only winning the League and European Super Cup was a failure for Madrid. I've learned that football is full of paradoxes and ironies.

Has the thought of finishing the year empty-handed crossed your mind a lot this season?
Absolutely. You think about it when you're knocked out of the King's Cup, the Champions League, and when you're six points away from the top of the table and going through a bad patch. But thanks to a little luck, hard work, team unity, our coach's know-how, and our fans, we have that fire in our bellies to at least battle it out for the League title.

During last year's 0-3 defeat against Barcelona at the Bernabéu, you yelled out “We are Madrid!” Have you had to repeat it a lot this year?
On occasion. There have been moments that the team has been gripped by nervousness and the ghosts of year's passed, which prevented us from steering in the right direction and made us think about going another year with nothing to show for it.

There's a Barça vs. Madrid foosball table in the Spanish national team's camp. Have you ever played as Barcelona?
Of course. There used to be one with Atleti that I also played with. But I don't pay attention to who I am or whether I play as keeper, midfielder, or forward (laughs). I really get along very well with Puyol and the other Barça players.

Realmadrid.com

Torres to Marca: "We're going to win the last two finals"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:46:00 +0000

Miguel Torres has only missed one match since getting the nod from Fabio Capello to play for the First Team. The multi-purpose defender has played 1,477 minutes over 18 matches, all as a starter except one. He has become an important piece of this Real Madrid team that is 180 minutes away from being proclaimed League champions.

Another final won against Deportivo and Real Madrid are one step closer to the League title.
We're only two steps away from reaching our goal and of sharing our success with our fans at the Cibeles Fountain. The team is in great form, confident, and really excited about finishing off the season on such a high note after all the hard work we've put in.

The title is still in your hands. How important is it that you control your own destiny?
We depend only on ourselves, which gives us peace of mind and confidence. We have two finals left and we're going to do whatever it takes to win them. We know no one is just going to hand us the title, so we have to go out there and play hard if we want to be champions.

Capello isn't very happy about the stoppage for international qualifiers and friendlies. Do you think it might be detrimental to your chances of winning the League?
We're not going to relax even with this stoppage. The team is very focused and we'll devote all our attention to winning the League once we get all our players back.

The two remaining finals will be very challenging because Madridistas are about to see the three year title drought come to an end. What's it like in the dressing room with such a close title run?
There's no tension. We're on top of the table so it's not worth easing up on the gas and losing everything we've worked so hard to accomplish up until this point. The hardest task is behind us and all that's left is to have fun and maintain this pace. We've got two very difficult games left and our only choice is to win out in order not to depend on anyone else. We're working hard and confidence is peaking. The veterans have said that this is the hardest League they've ever competed in, and that's why each victory is so much more meaningful.

The Bernabéu picked the team up when Deportivo netted the equaliser.
The fans have been outstanding. It was absolutely amazing. The team is firing on all cylinders, so I hope we pick up where we left off after the stoppage.

After beginning the season with Castilla, have you come to terms with the fact that your right in the thick of Madrid's quest for the League title?
Playing for Madrid is the greatest thing that could ever happen to me and I'm living it up. I try to take advantage of each opportunity the coach gives me and I am giving me heart and soul to this team. Winning a title with Madrid would fulfill a lifelong dream. This team will do whatever it takes to make our fans proud.

Realmadrid.com

Capello press conference: "We have a different spirit; we are a true team now"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:26:00 +0000

New victory for Real Madrid and that makes six consecutive ones. With the leadership sealed for another week, Fabio Capello was very relaxed. The Italian manager underlined the physical form and mental strength of the team at present, but above all the heart of the players throughout the fixture. Coming up are a few days with many players called up for international duty. After that, the team will travel to La Romareda, to play against Zaragoza, for their next final.

“We are playing better. We have more chances and we are in great shape physically. We have a different spirit; we are a true team now. It is true that since we have more players up ahead when we launch an attack, our opponents have more problems.”

“Yesterday I said that David Beckham is playing like he hasn't in the last two years. He has extraordinary conditions, with lots of skill and speed. He's in great shape.”

“It's obvious that the team will not make do with negative results. They are very strong physically and mentally.”

“Eight games ago, I said that all matches would be finals. Zaragoza are a great side. They're hard to beat. Now, we have a long break for international duty, which is not really convenient for us because we are doing so well. The players will be back on Thursday, so we'll see then.”

“My best signing is the entire Real Madrid team, because we're doing a great campaign. Ruud is a true marksman. That is why we signed him. He's also very comfortable here.”

“Emerson and Diarra also play good games when they play together. These two and Gago are three very good players. They know how to play the ball and defend as well.”

“We're doing well now, but we'll have to wait and see what condition the players who have been called up by their national teams are in when they come back. We are in such awesome physical and mental shape... that it could change when they return.”

Realmadrid.com

Real Madrid - Deportivo 3-1 Video Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:24:00 +0000

3 - 1

Real Madrid 3-1 Deportivo Coruña: Real Madrid march on... just 180 minutes away from celebrating the League title!

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:54:00 +0000

3 - 1

What better birthday present for Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón than the sixth consecutive overall and home win of his team. Madrid maintain their grip on the leadership one more week proving that they are in top physical and mental form to face any adversity and opponent. Once again, the second half saw the Merengues seal a victory that was initiated with Sergio Ramos' first half goal. Capdevila equalised, but it was just a mirage. Raúl and Van Nistelrooy scored one a piece and confirmed how close this team is to being crowned La Liga champions. The Bernabéu was a real party today. Just imagine against Mallorca in the last fixture of the season.

Real Madrid, oé, oé, oé to the beat of White-handed clapping. This is the way that an elated and crammed Santiago Bernabéu received the League leaders, Real Madrid, which featured the exact same eleven that had defeated Recreativo Huelva 3-2 last week. It was the penultimate clash at the Madridista Colosseum with the Primera Liga at stake and against a sturdy opponent. The truth is Deportivo Coruña were in no real need, but fought for pride and glory.

The team coached by Joaquín Caparrós began the game fully concentrated on the task at hand: perfect positioning and good defensive disposition, with up to six footballers in the midfield, and little to offer up ahead. That said, Depor managed three chances worth mentioning in the first period: Arizmendi (min.11), Capdevila (min.13), and the most dangerous one, with 39 minutes on the clock, when Roberto Carlos cleared the ball after a cross by the most dangerous and active blue-and-white man: Cristian.

But Real Madrid don't mind the rival. It is true that they're thankful with the teams that come to play football as opposed to those leathery teams who put all eleven men behind the ball and pressurise ball movement, as was the case this evening. But in this last stretch of the championship, the local team have proved that they are prepared physically and psychologically to face and resolve any adversity. Seven minutes into the match, Real Madrid had their first opportunity via the Captain, Raúl –who tonight levelled with Gento at 605 official appearances. Henceforth, the Whites took command of the game, which they always had under control.

The Bernabéu faithful witnessed the drive of their team, who wanted to hit halftime leading in the scoreline. Before the evening's first, they applauded the constant effort of Gago, Diarra, Raúl, Torres, Ramos, and so on...; the first touch plays to drive the ball forward all the way back from defence, perfectly marshalled by Fabio Cannavaro; the strategically mounted counter-attacks, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy leaning towards the right flank; the cross-field passing by Roberto Carlos; Beckham's well-taken free kicks -the most dangerous of all eight minutes past halftime, when the ball crashed against the woodwork-; the exquisite technique made in Robinho; and, of course, the saves by Iker Casillas.

The Bernabéu pleads for a goal...
Real Madrid were in control of the game but the Bernabéu pleaded for a goal. The opener came seconds before the half hour. Roberto Carlos drove the ball down the left touchline and passed it to Beckham. The Englishman lifted his head and curled the ball inside the box. Van Nistelrooy jumped well over his two markers and headed in only to find Aouate's hands. The ball was dead in mid-box, but Sergio Ramos was on hand to ram the ball to the back of the Deportivo net.

Nerves... but not for long
It has become somewhat of a custom to add some excitement to the games, seeing how well Madrid are faring with heroic actions or goals of late. The Galicians levelled the score ten minutes after the restart, which gave way to some nervousness and uncertainty. Before the goal, Iker Casillas had earned his daily share of praise after a treble save from point-blank range. But one minute later, there was nothing he could to deny the left-footed tip by Capdevila following an assist by Canadian footballer De Guzmán.

And so, it was high time for an all-out attack. If there was a player who deserved a goal, that was David Beckham, who minutes earlier had clubbed a free kick against the post, bending it like only he can. It could have been the 2-0, but it was not meant to be. Neither was Robinho's finish following a swift counter staged by Real Madrid's number '23'.

But Beckham soon found his bounty, because his was the beautiful cross from the right that Raúl headed home. The skipper broke another record: with 187 goals in La Liga, he is now Real Madrid's second all-time top scorer, having overtaken Santillana and placing himself just behind Alfredo Di Stéfano.

The Bernabéu's all fun and games!
And who else who could put the cherry to cap it all off but the man who cannot stop scoring goals: he scored away against Celta, Athletic Bilbao, and Reacreativo Huelva, and at home opposite Sevilla and Valencia. The Pichichi is on a roll and so, he did it again against Deportivo. The kudos for the play and for his entire game go to this team's leader: Raúl once again proved what a throughbred footballer he is, fighting for the ball in a burrowing play inside the Deportivo area, subjected to a penalty that went uncalled, and then shoving the ball forward just enough for Van The Man to score his 23rd League goal of the season, just three shy from the Golden Shoe award.

The Bernabéu was a real party... all fun and games from that point forward, with the fans applauding and chanting Spanish olés. The Whites make the mark again and march on with just two matches to play: Zaragoza away and Mallorca at home after the international duty break this following week… All Madridistas had only one thing in mind after the final whistle: the next time, we could be celebrating La Liga.

MATCH REPORT
3 - Real Madrid: Iker Casillas; Miguel Torres, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos (Cicinho, min.89); Beckham, Gago, Diarra, Robinho (Guti, min. 76); Raúl and Van Nistelrooy (Higuaín, min.90).
1 - Deportivo La Coruña: Aouate; Coloccini, Andrade, Lopo, Capdevila; Estoyanoff (Bodipo, min. 62), De Guzmán, Sergio (Verdú, min. 78), Cristian; Juan Rodríguez and Arizmendi (Barragán, min.86).
Goals:
1-0. Min. 29: Sergio Ramos boots it in after a header by Van Nistelrooy.
1-1. Min. 55: Capdevila slots home following De Guzmán's near post assist.
2-1. Min. 57: Raúl heads in a perfect Beckham cross.
3-1. Min. 75: Van Nistelrooy after Raúl's burrowing action.

Referee: Fernández Borbalán, Andalusian Refereeing Committee. Booked Beckham (24') of Real Madrid and Cristian (29'), Estoyanoff (36'), De Guzmán (38'), and Coloccini (84') of Deportivo.
Highlights: Attendance: 83,000, for a Santiago Bernabéu full to capacity in Matchday 36 of the Primera Liga. Raúl levelled with Gento's 605 match record with Real Madrid and scored his 187th League goal.

Match report by Cristina Monge
Photos by Ángel Martínez & Daniel Sastre
Translation by Luis Orueta

UEFA Chapions League Special Final 2007:Video Highlights Milan Vs Liverpool 2007

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Thu, 24 May 2007 03:20:00 +0000

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Filippo Inzaghi (1 - 0) 45'
Filippo Inzaghi (2 - 0) 82'
Dirk Kuijt (2 - 1) 89'

Video Highlights Milan Vs Liverpool 2007 Goals :

Ac Milan - Liverpool FC Road to 2007 Athens Final

UEFA Chapions League Special Final 2007: Inzaghi inspires Milan to glory

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Thu, 24 May 2007 02:46:00 +0000

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Wednesday, 23 May 2007

by Michael Harroldfrom OACA Spyro Louis Stadium

A goal in each half from Filippo Inzaghi ensured AC Milan avenged their defeat by Liverpool FC in Istanbul two years ago to claim the European Champion Clubs' Cup for a seventh time here in Athens.

Faith repaid
Inzaghi had been forced to sit out the 2005 final which Liverpool won on penalties after trailing 3-0 at half-time, but he made up for that here with a double strike that fully justified coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to select the veteran ahead of Alberto Gilardino. The gods were smiling on the 33-year-old when he deflected in Andrea Pirlo's free-kick on the stroke of half-time though there was no doubting his ability when he rounded Pepe Reina to make sure of victory with eight minutes remaining.

Solid start
Mindful of the damage Milan caused in the first half in Istanbul, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez was taking no chances. The Spaniard opted for a five-man midfield with Jermaine Pennant and Boudewijn Zenden on the wings, while captain Steven Gerrard moved inside to provide support for lone forward Kuyt. The tactic had the desired effect as Liverpool held the ball well, showing no signs of the nerves that gripped them in the early stages two seasons ago. Pennant worked the first opening on nine minutes, dispossessing Alessandro Nesta before drawing a sprawling save from Dida. Pennant's pace provided a nuisance but Milan also threatened, Pirlo coming close to releasing Inzaghi before Pepe Reina saved well from Kaká.

Pennant threat
The Brazilian was coming into the game, bringing the Milan fans to their feet with one supreme drag-back and turn, yet neither side could put their stamp on a surprisingly open contest. Xabi Alonso and John Arne Riise both missed from distance while, for Milan, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski were dangerous pushing forward down the flanks. It was Pennant, though, who looked most likely to furnish a breakthrough. Running at the veteran Milan rearguard was bringing rewards, and on 35 minutes he stole the ball off Paolo Maldini to supply a shooting chance for Kuyt. The 38-year-old Maldini had become the oldest outfield player to appear in a European Cup final, his record-equalling eighth, and was being kept busy.

Inzaghi opener
A defensive lapse at the other end, however, cost Liverpool dearly on 45 minutes. Kaká for once was afforded too much space on the edge of the box and was brought down by Alonso. Pirlo's free-kick eluded the Liverpool wall but struck Inzaghi and deflected in. Five of the Liverpool team that started the final two years ago were picked again here, against seven survivors from Milan. Having been given the rare opportunity to make amends for the disappointment of 2005, the Rossoneri were in no mood to let another lead slip. It was Gerrard who had sparked the recovery in Istanbul, and Liverpool looked to their talisman once again to lift them. On 61 minutes Gennaro Gattuso's misplaced pass was intercepted by the Reds captain and he breezed past Nesta into the area only to shoot weakly at Dida.

Clinical second
With Massimo Ambrosini and Gattuso shielding the Milan back four, Liverpool were finding chances hard to come by and with 13 minutes to play Benítez brought on Peter Crouch for Javier Mascherano to try and open up the match. This time, though, there would be no comeback. Kaká, so often Milan's match-winner en route to the final, turned provider here, slipping the ball through to Inzaghi who scored with a typically clinical strike. Kuyt sparked hope when he nodded in Daniel Agger's flick-on from a corner in the last minute of normal time but this was Milan's night.

By:uefa.com

Roberto Carlos to AS: "We deserve to win the League"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Tue, 22 May 2007 20:00:00 +0000

Roberto Carlos made all the papers with his victory goal against Recreativo, which kept Real Madrid on the top spot of the table. Currently playing his last season at Real Madrid, the left back talked to AS about his years at the Club, the sweet moment he is going through and his future.

GOAL OF VICTORY

"Sergio Ramos cleared the ball in defence and Higuaín and Gago initiated a counterattack. Five Recreativo players closed in on them and I saw the right moment in which to come down from the left. We practice that play a lot during training. Sevilla do too: whenever their keeper, Palop, grabs the ball he gives it to Alves, Jesús Navas or Adriano to play down the wings. When Gago had the ball just outside the box I shouted out for him to give me the ball. The grass was slightly wet, and this made the ball roll faster towards me than I expected and it stopped right under my body. I didn't know what to do. Guti asked for it, but I decided to hit it with the inside of my left foot. The keeper slightly touched it with the tips of his fingers, but it went in.

"I scored with the quality I usually showcase and I suddenly found myself with players climbing on me. This picture [points to Monday's front page of AS] shows the good vibes on the team. There was never a division between Brazilians and Spaniards on the squad."

MEA CULPA
"Recreativo drew because I made a mistake. I should have been onto Uche. I thought the ball wasn't high enough in the air and that Cannavaro and Ramos would be able to clear it. Capello showed us videos of Recreativo matches and we knew they like Juanma to be a nuisance for their opponent's centre backs in these sorts of plays. I failed to see it and didn't try to obstruct Uche's shot. Prior to the game, Capello warned us: no one besides Sevilla has played as well as Recreativo in the League this year."

THE FIGHT FOR THE LEAGUE
"The team deserves to win the League. We haven't come all this way to finish second. We will win the title by two points, defeating our opponents in the next three games. I want Zaragoza to defeat Sevilla next Sunday and qualify for next year's UEFA Cup because if they don't we will have a tough game in Zaragoza the following weekend. Barcelona will put pressure on us until the very end. I don't think Espanyol will manage to take any points against them because they have already covered all their goals for the season, but Getafe may. On Saturday we will know when we'll win the League. If we had defeated Barcelona 3-2 at Camp Nou we would have practically won the title. Let's hope the points we dropped there and in some home games this season don't come into play."

CAPELLO
"It's not luck, he's got here with hard work. He knows how to read a game. He isn't to blame about what happened two or three years ago. If he had Zidane on his squad we would already be champions. He is the same person he was ten years ago; he's a great coach."

"He is 61, old enough to know what he wants to do. He should be acknowledged for making the squad recover team spirit. We had won so many titles that we had completely forgotten about the badge we wear. At one point we thought donning this shirt was enough to win games. We wouldn't have been able to pull off this season's comeback three years ago. This has been thanks to Capello."

BECKHAM
"He's been great for the Club, setting an example on and off the pitch with his personality and his joy. His personality shines through; he is a very Brazilian Englishman."

VAN NISTELROOY
"Ronaldo's like my brother, but Ruud is very good. Next year, Ronie will have scored 36 goals in Italy and the Dutchman will have scored at least 34 here. Together they would have lost many games because they don't defend."

SERGIO RAMOS
"He is in great shape. I prefer him as a centre back and I don't think it's good for him to change positions so much. I think versatility can be detrimental for a player."

ROBINHO
"He has to play more. Some days he'll do everything right and others he will screw up, but I'm still convinced he will be the world's number one player some day."

DRESSING ROOM LEADERS
"Raúl will always be the first captain and I think Casillas is also capable of playing that role."

REFEREES
"They're very good. In Italy, if a player goes down too easily the refs watch a replay on a screen and suspend him, although the match result isn't altered. I wish they did that in Spain."

LEAVING REAL MADRID
"I stand by my decision of leaving. I can't afford to take a step back. I did the same with Brazil. I didn't decide to leave the Club because of what happened in Munich. I don't have to apologize for that. The quarterfinals against Munich lasted for 180 minutes, not ten. I don't think I am to blame for what happened, but I think it's time for Marcelo and Torres to take over.
What else can I win at Real Madrid? Disappointment? Pressure? I've won three European Cups, three Leagues and two Intercontinental Cups at this Club. I was League champion in my first year here and I will be a League champion again before I leave."

"People don't have to feel bad. Players like Di Stéfano, Puskas, Gento, Juanito, Santillana, Gordillo, Hugo Sánchez and Zidane have left this Club before me. Zidane could have stayed on, playing at a very high level in the ten most important League games and six or seven Champions League clashes, but he was exhausted. He suffered with the criticism he was getting. It's not easy to carry on when you have a wife, kids and enough money."

HIS FUTURE IN FOOTBALL
"I can still play two more years on a top team, after which I will go back to Brazil for a final season as player. I will become a coach when I retire. I feel better than ever. Next season you'll see I'm not finished. Not playing for four months has been good for me. If I thought I was getting old or felt tired I would go to Qatar, but I don't."

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

"Marcelo will have six great seasons at this Club. Torres will do great too. The Club will only need to sign a new number '3' if Salgado leaves."

"I have always seen myself as a left back. I wouldn't have been half the player I've been if I had been an attacking left winger. I wouldn't have had enough space. I don't have the element of surprise in me, and that defines an attacking left winger. Left backs like myself come from Brazil because we're not afraid of trying out different things. I've been a left back since I was 12 years old, professionally since Luxemburgo coached me at Palmeiras. I have always preferred attacking than running back to defend, as long as I did it responsibly. Things have been easy for me at Real Madrid. Every coach I've had has favoured me, although it's hard for a player like me to know exactly what to do. If you attack a lot people say you leave the back unprotected, and if you stay back they say you aren't as fit as you used to be. The hardest part of my job isn't putting the finishing touch on a ball, but being able to play the ball well after an 80 metre run."

THE BEST
"I have been surrounded by top quality players in the eleven years I've been at this Club. I have never played with mediocre players."

BALLON D'OR
"Cannavaro's award acknowledged the job defenders do. I didn't win when I was up for it because Ronaldo had a phenomenal World Cup."

Realmadrid.com

DIARRA EXCLUSIVE: The midfielder looks back on his past and praises his teammates and the Bernabéu

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:13:00 +0000

Realmadrid.com and RealmadridTV conducted a joint in-depth interview with Mahamadou Diarra, whom they accompanied to his native country of Mali for the space of eight days. Once in Spain, the Club media decided to speak to the number ‘6’ of the Whites and look back and contrast the different experiences lived on African soil with those as a Real Madrid player, his experience in the Spanish League, his opinion on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and, above all, insight into the significance of what goes on inside the dressing room through his own eyes. The interview was held inside the dressing room and on the turf of an empty Bernabéu. It was the first time the Mali native had been interviewed inside the Stadium, an event that filled him with excitement.

THE DRESSING ROOM

How do the players sit inside the dressing room?
By shirt number. I'm number 6, so my locker is between number 5, Fabio Cannavaro's, and number 7, Raúl's. But sometimes Ruud Van Nistelrooy comes over, or David Beckham perhaps... Or sometimes I'll go over to them to talk about the game. Other players do the same. It's what makes a team.

How early do you get to the stadium on matchdays and what exactly goes on?
We get here one and a half hours before the match. Ninety minutes gives us enough time to focus on the game. Sometimes we get here earlier if it's a Cup match or another competition. It's the most important time; more important than kick-off even. It's when you really think about the match; about what you need to do and what you need to avoid doing. We analyse the opponent and motivate one another to do our best on the turf.

What do the players do during that time?
Some players get massages. Others, like me, see the physiotherapists to get taped up. Some listen to music, while others sit in their corner, next to their shirt, to concentrate on the match.

We know that you tend to be very serious and focused before matches.
Yes, that's just me. It's how I always am before a game: stressed out. It's how I should be; nervous and scared. It's how I focus. I go over to a corner all by myself to think about the game, to think about how it might unfold, and I prepare myself for everything that might happen on the pitch. But, like I said, I mostly think about giving it my all and not letting anybody down. That's how I feel before a game.

And what happens in the final minutes leading up to kick-off?
Well, we yell a victory chant and something about Real Madrid. It's essential to this team. It gives us strength before taking the pitch. It's the last group action before a match. I don't understand all the chants, but I know they're for the good of the team, for motivation, and to bring out our team spirit.

Who takes part?
Everyone. The 20 to 22 players who have been called up. I love it because it proves we have team spirit and it reflects the strength of this group.

Describe what one of these team huddles is like.
Everyone brings it in and we each put one arm forward and place our hand on top of Raúl's. Then we yell something. Sometimes I feel like laughing, but I hold it in. It's great, even if I don't say anything.

What role do the dressing room leaders have?
There are a number of leaders, as there would be on any team. They say what needs to be said. Normally, everyone says something in the five minutes leading up to the game. You point something out to your teammates, whether it's about a training session or about the previous week's match, in order to correct mistakes. And someone does the same with you. They are words of encouragement. But most importantly, not everything has to be said in the dressing room. The pitch is where you really need to talk.

Who are the leaders and what do they say?
Many players speak: Raúl, Íker Casillas, Salgado. Guti has less to say and gets straight to the point. He always says exactly what needs to be said. Beckham sometimes says some words. Ruud doesn't have much to say, but I love his way of being. As I stated earlier, everyone says what he has to say. But it all has to carry over to the pitch, which is exactly what is happening now.

THE BERNABÉU

What are your thoughts on the Santiago Bernabéu?
It's the first time I've seen it empty like this. It's like being stuck inside a calabasa –traditional percussion instrument of Mali-. Well, I also saw it last season when I came to play against Madrid with Lyon in the Champions League. I spent 10 minutes just walking around and looking at it. I then went to sit in the dugout and I realised how comfortable the seats were. You're sitting there all curled up and comfortable... you can really get used to it. Anyway, it's a stadium I hold in great esteem. It's gorgeous, absolutely brilliant.

What's it like playing in the middle of the field?
Playing as a midfielder means that you are surrounded by a lot of people. As is commonly said in football, you have to see before receiving when in the centre of the pitch. It's where most players gather and, therefore, it's where you have to apply tactics on the pitch. You have to have great vision for the game. You're in the heart of it all here. It's the centre-point of the stadium. It's like being in the middle of 22 actors. The team suffers if you don't have a good day.

What does coming out of the p'layers' tunnel feel like?
You can't hear a thing when you step out of the tunnel and the entire stadium is yelling. If a player is 10 to 15 metres away you have to communicate with gestures. To the left... back up... to the right... Let's say I'm 15 metres away from you and there are 80,000 fans yelling their hearts our. You can't sit there trying to hear what a teammate is saying because the ball is still in play and you have to run after it!

Sergio Ramos whistles. Do you?
No. I don't know how to. I don't like it. I have a low-pitched voice, so I can shout out to someone who is 50 metres away if there isn't much noise. I don't have to whistle because I tend to speak loud anyway.

How is the Bernabéu treating you?
Well. The team wasn't doing that well during the first four or five months of competition. We admit it. Of course this crowd is used to seeing spectacular football, lots of technique, dribblings, beautiful goals... We weren't playing at that level and the public grew impatient. But they are truly behind us now. The fans have become the 12th man. They push us to give our very best. We need them. We are really motivated to play here now.

MAHAMADOU AND FOOTBALL

In Mali you are known as Djilla. Where does the nickname come from?
It was given to me by one of my older brothers who sadly passed away a year and a half ago. He was a friend of a former Malian player named Mohamed Djilla. I share his name, Mahamadou, and they said I played like him as well. When I was starting to become recognised in the streets of Bamako, he was reaping success with the national team and Malian clubs. Everyone named Mahamadou wanted to follow in his footsteps; he was their idol. That's how I became Djilla. Additionally, my family calls me Mohamed, which I am very fond of, and sometimes Djilla as well.

How did you relationship with CSK Bamako, your first team, begin?
There weren't many football academies when I was a kid and not everyone had the means to sign up. They used to pay us. They started by paying me 1000 CFA francs –the equivalent of 1.5€– per month, which seems like very little but it actually was a lot for a 14-year old in Africa then. I went because I had a childhood friend who played for the Centre Salif Keita, or CSK. His father was a director and I told him I wanted to join. The father then spoke to the coach and Salif. I remember my test was on a Saturday morning. Everything went flawlessly and they picked me. I was very focused on studying then and my father insisted on the advantages of having an education. I also got good grades. That's why he didn't understand why I wanted to spend so much time playing football. You couldn't earn a living as a footballer back then. We were in Africa, football wasn't as popular, and young players found it hard to prove themselves. I combined school and football for four years; from 13 years old to 17. I became champion of Mali in the Under-15 and Under-17 leagues. I also played with the Under-15 and Under-17 Malian national teams. I played against Casillas two straight years. I clearly remember missing a one-on-one I had with him. Spain knocked us out of the Under-17 World Cup. When I look back on everything I have gone through until now, I realise all the hard work, discipline, and desire I put into it. I had a rough beginning. Finding a pair of boots was a huge challenge. And let's not talk about transportation to training sessions. Furthermore, we had to pay the football academy. It reached a point where my parents were rwally fed up.

Did the truly elite competition for you only begin when you started playing in the Champions League?
I discovered the Champions League while playing for Olympique Lyonnais. But I learned a lot in the streets of Mali, as does every African player. There were no real sports academies in my day like there are now. We learned in the streets. You stopped playing whenever you wanted to. It's the best football school there is. Kids were left to play in the streets until whatever time tey wanted. I learned a lot in Mali. Then I went to Greece for one year, and then to the Netherlands, where I played for three seasons. I played three UEFA Cup matches with Vitesse Arnhem. That was my first contact with the elite European competition. I played more than 20 Champions League matches over four years with Lyon. But Spain is different. To be honest, the French Ligue 1 isn't at the same level as the Spanish League, which is superior. You could say that Champions League matches are at the same level as any La Liga match. I love this Championship and wanted to play here since I was small. So I guess dreams can come true. It's up to me to make sure I continue to play here.

Interview by Luis Orueta
Photos by Ángel Martínez & Luis Orueta
Translation by Matthew Goltz

Fabio Capello:"Real Madrid truly were Real Madrid tonight"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:52:00 +0000

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Fabio Capello talked to the media after his team's incredibly important victory against Recreativo Huelva. The Italian coach was proud of his men despite "giving away" two goals.

"I think we gave away two goals and that we missed several chances, but that's football for you. Anything can happen against a good team with very active players. I liked my team's reaction in the end. Roberto Carlos ran 80 metres in order to join the counterattack and score. We proved to have guts."

"Our last goal was very important because the game was important too and proved to be tough in the end. I liked our performance, but we still have three games left and we haven't won the championship yet."

"Luck is always important, but I don't think my men lost concentration. This is proved by how they reacted in the end. We've told Roberto we are happy with him."

"Recre played a fast and balanced game, creating some danger, but Real Madrid truly were Real Madrid tonight."

Realmadrid.com

Recreativo 2-3 Real Madrid: The Whites earn another epic victory and come closer to winning the League

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:04:00 +0000

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This was Real Madrid's first away match as leaders and only a victory could keep them on the top of the table. The Whites were superior to the locals, but after Robinho's and Van Nistelrooy's goals Recreativo scored from a penalty and grew stronger as a result. Uche eventually drew the score. Once again, Real Madrid were involved in a game with a frantic and heart-stopping end. Finally, Roberto Carlos scored the winner in added time when all seemed to be lost.

Recreativo fans should be proud of their team. The oldest football side in Spain are currently seventh on the table, with options of qualifying for next season's UEFA Cup, and they play fresh, uncompromising football against the biggest teams of the competition. Nevertheless, their victory over the Whites earlier this season wasn't a positive precedent tonight because Capello's team has radically changed since then. Showcasing quality stock and great efforts, Real Madrid are teaching all their rivals a lesson in this final stretch of the season.

The Madridistas took the pitch with the intention of dominating the game from start to finish. The new faces on the starting lineup were Miguel Torres as right back, Fernando Gago in midfield -the Argentine came close to missing the match due to a niggle, but he recovered in time- and Beckham and Robinho on the wings -both players missed last week's game due to suspension.

Typical Beckham assist

Recreativo were weak in midfield and the Whites soon stole the ball from them. David Beckham passed it to Torres, but the Spaniard gave it back to him. Becks crossed the ball into the box and Robinho put away a phenomenal free-header (8'); the direction of the shot was simply brilliant.

The Whites dominated the game and felt comfortable on the pitch, showcasing excellent ball movement. Gago and Diarra were extremely good in midfield, Beckham and Robinho stood out in most of the team's attacks, and Sergio Ramos once again led the defence.

Real Madrid came close to finishing off the game before half-time twice, but Ramos failed to finish off a phenomenal cross by Beckham (16') and Raúl didn't manage to score from a cross by Roberto Carlos on the 38-minute mark. Recreativo only had one chance in the entire first half through a free-kick by Beto that Iker Casillas -who turned 26 today- managed to save without any problems.

Recreativo's lineup changed after half-time, bringing on last year's Second Division Pichichi, Uche, and the team's spirit in general, as well as the fans', was lifted. But despite their good efforts, Recre conceded another goal. First, Ramos missed a one-on-one against Laquait, failing to lift the ball high enough over the keeper, who perfectly anticipated his move (50'). Beckham then missed a volley, hitting the ball with the inside of his right foot. On the 53-minute mark, Robinho brilliantly went through Recre's defence and faced the keeper, who hastily tackled him with his arms and was booked as a result. The Whites were awarded a penalty and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the League's current Pichichi, didn't fail score his 15th goal away from Madrid. Third time lucky, as they say...

From then on Real Madrid continued being well positioned on the pitch, never leaving any open spaces. But this comfortable situation was not meant to last. Uche pulled off a classic Cruyff turn with wonderful skill in the box, managing to force Gago to bring him down with a light flick on the shin.
A penalty was awarded and Jesús Vázquez didn't fail to score, although Iker managed to touch the ball (73'). This goal created a small crisis for Real Madrid.

Once again, Madridistas sat through a heart-stopping end. The goal was an injection of adrenaline for Recreativo and Uche eventually scored the equalliser from a corner kick by Aitor.

But Madrid didn't despair and in added time their great efforts were rewarded. Higuaín ran with the ball down the right, giving the ball to Gago, who had his face to the goal. He saw Roberto Carlos' maginificent run down the left, turned and passed the ball to the Brazilian, who fired it into the back of the net.

The Whites still have to win three more 'finals' against Deportivo, Zaragoza and Mallorca, respectively. If they do, they will celebrate winning the title at Cibeles Fountain.

MATCH REPORT

Recreativo Huelva: Laquait; Merino, Beto, Pablo Amo, Poli; Jesús Váquez, Barber, Juanma (Aitor, 58'), Cazorla; Rosu (Uche, min.45) & Sinama Pongolle (Javi Guerrero, 53').
Real Madrid: Casillas; Torres, Ramos, Cannavarro, Roberto Carlos; Diarra, Gago, Beckham, Robinho (Guti, 75'); Raúl & Van Nistelrooy.

Referee:
Mejuto González. Booked Cannavaro (30'), Beckham (59') and Laquait (53').

Goals:
0-1 (8'): Robinho scores a header from a brilliant cross by Beckham.
0-2 (53'): Van Nistelrooy scores a penalty.
1-2 (73'): Jesús Vázquez scores a penalty.
2-2 (76'): Uche puts the finishing touch on a corner by Aitor.
2-3 (90'): Roberto Carlos scores after a counterattack by Higuaín and Gago.

Highlights:
Matchday 35 of la Liga. Venue: Nuevo Colombino Stadium. A minute's silence was held in memory of the five people who died in a bus accident on their way to Madrid before Christmas to see the previous fixture between both sides at the Bernabéu.

Report by Cristina Monge
Photography by Ángel Martínez
Special correspondents to Huelva
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Fabio Capello press conference:"My men are excited because they know they can win the League"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:06:00 +0000

Fabio Capello considers tomorrow's game against Recreativo to be "another final." He doesn't want euphoria to take control of his team, but he understands his men's excitement. The Italian coach is worried about Emerson's absence and the possibility of not being able to have Gago on the pitch tomorrow.

Is Emerson's injury a major setback?
It's a problem because he has been playing well lately and we are about to face a quality team. Gago's in the squad list, but we are not sure if he will be fit enough to play the game. We'll decide what to do tomorrow.

Is it an advantage to play before Barcelona?
I don't care about playing before or after. Every game is a final for us and we don't think about what others may do.

Does the fact that the four main contenders to the title play away from home make this a special matchday?
I think it will be hard for all of us, especially now that the point situation is tighter than ever. We are all going to face good teams away from home.

Will you make changes in defence?
I haven't decided anything yet. I will tomorrow.

What worries you the most about Recreativo?
They are a very fast team and they are excellent at counterattacking. They play a very dangerous vertical game. They only shot on goal three or four times against us at the Bernabéu and scored three goals. We must be solid in defence.
Guti's had some niggles and didn't play too well against Espanyol. Have you lost faith in him?Guti has always had great drive when he comes on as a substitute player. He was a starter last week, but he was slightly niggled. He can be a starter any time. A coach with Guti on his squad should count himself lucky.

What do you think about the comments made by some Atletico fans saying they want their team to lose against Barcelona?
I doubt the players feel that way.

Are you worried about the state of euphoria of your squad?
I've addressed that issue this week during training. It's logical to feel that way if you lead the table, but it is my job to calm them down. My men are excited because they know they can win the League.

Raúl recently said you are to blame for the good moment the team is going through...
Then, I'm happy to be blamed.

Will you coach the team next season?
I'm not worried about that right now. The important thing for me is to work with my players, my coaching staff and Pedja Mijatovic. The President will decide what to do. I currently only think about tomorrow's game.

Report by Juan José López Soto
Photography by Daniel Sastre /AS.com
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Squad list for Recreativo Huelva: Beckham, Gago and Robinho in; Emerson out

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Sat, 19 May 2007 19:57:00 +0000

Beckham returns to the team after last week's suspension, the same as Robinho. Fabio Capello has had to leave Emerson out due to a spasm on the Brazilian's right hamstrings. The Englishman may be teamed with Diarra in midfield in his stead. Fernando Gago will also travel to Huelva. He is still niggled from his injury and may eventually miss the game, but he could also be Emerson's replacement in midfield if he is fit to play. Antonio Cassano still has arthritis on his right ankle and won't travel to Huelva.

Report by Juan José López Soto
Photography by Daniel Sastre
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Emerson to El País:"I feel essential to the team"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Sat, 19 May 2007 19:21:00 +0000

Emerson gave an interview to newspaper El País in which he talked about the hard times he's gone through and his current situation as an essential midfielder on the team.

How have Real Madrid achieved becoming leaders a year and a half after being in the top spot for the last time?
The key to our success was the match against Barcelona. We realised we could play better.

Was it a matter of pride?
I think there's been a change of mentality on the team. Before, we played for the sake of playing, but now we truly know what we want.

Did you play for the sake of playing because of things that were happening within the Club, or because of things surrounding it?
A bit of both. The Club had problems and people in office didn't know what was going to happen with the whole absentee vote controversy. The team had problems with Ronaldo and with some new players, like myself, who still had to adapt.

What about now?
We can win the League. We believe we can take the title and we depend solely on ourselves to achieve that goal.
Despite the recent radical change, Real Madrid still have trouble dominating for 90 minutes. This was evident in the games against Valencia, Sevilla and Espanyol. Why is that?How do explain those 45 minute 'amnesias'?
It's normal for them to happen. We are not alone on the pitch; we face eleven players. Unlike Italy, Spain doesn't have weak teams.

Who's responsible for the latest comeback victories, Capello or the team?
We all are. Capello has managed to instill his mentality on the team. He's been trying to do that from the very start, but was unsuccessfull at first.

Why?
Because he came from calcio, which is very different from football in any other country. Real Madrid never gives anyone enough time to work and making a winning team in four months with a new coach, new players and after a three year title is simply impossible.

What is Capello's mentality?
He wants to build a team that never gives up, that fights to the very end, that is convinced of being able of turning the score around, that believes it can always improve and do better... We weren't even like that during training sessions before, but we are now. As a result, the coach is much more relaxed.

Maresca literally said 'Capello has a flower up his back side', meaning he is extremely lucky...
I don't think Maresca can allow himself to make such a comment about a coach that has won practically everything in this sport. He has never worked with him and I think his comment was very disrespectful.

Real Madrid are in better physical form than Barcelona and Sevilla. Why is that?
I think it's because we only play one game each week. That allows us to recover well after a match.

Are you the same player you were in August?
Absolutely not. My stay here hasn't been easy because I've had personal problems that haven't allowed me to do my best. I've been a professional footballer for 14 years and never before had I felt useless to a team. I wasn't ready to feel that way.

And now?
I feel essential to the team. I feel well and more confident with what I do. I would love to have a magic wand to change what I didn't do well in the past few months.

What criticism has hurt you the most?
Personal attacks have nothing to do with football. I have always tried to do my best for the team. Maybe I should be a bit more selfish on the pitch, but I prefer to do things for the rest. I have never been interested in being the best. This is how we all think now.

You said many times that you needed to work more in order to do better, but you are being coached by the same staff you had in Roma and Juventus. Has their working method changed at Real Madrid?
No, their method and mentality are still the same. The players are different. It's pointless to ask Ronaldo to do his best during training because that's never going to happen. He's never done it. Each player is different; some like to do their best during training and others prefer to save up energy to do really well during a game.

At the start of the season, Capello liked to use you and Diarra in midfield. He later made room for Guti, Beckham and Gago. Now he's gone back to his original scheme. How does one win his trust back?
I think he had a very clear idea of what to do when he arrived, but because of the problems Diarra and I had and the lack of good results he decided to make some changes. He's now gone back to the idea he's had all along.

Against Espanyol, each time Guti received the ball, you and Diarra were at least 15 metres away from him. Did Capello tell you to do that?
No. Guti constantly looks for the ball and when he gets it we shouldn't be only 5 metres away from him.

But you're not supporting him well by staying 15 metres away from him.
We made a mistake. Espanyol's first goal came after Guti lost the ball and we were too far away to try to recover it. We are sometimes too confident, thinking our teammates won't lose the ball.

Would you follow Capello if he leaves the team?
I have a contract with Real Madrid, not with Fabio Capello.

Have you spoken to Gianluca Zambrotta or Liliam Thuram about the crisis at Barcelona?
No, but I know Fabio [Cannavaro] talks to Gianluca often and it seems the team is going through a difficult moment. I think it's normal for a team that has won it all to have a sharp drop. It happens automatically.

Realmadrid.com

Raúl press conference: "We're in good form, but we have to go in for the kill as soon as possible"

noreply@blogger.com (khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com) — Sat, 19 May 2007 19:11:00 +0000

He always ties up the loose ends when he speaks. During today's press conference, Raúl clarified that the squad's only wish is to win the League, and for that, the three points in Huelva are absolutely vital. The Real Madrid captain said there's no margin for error and that they cannot forget about the first match between the two sides at the Santiago Bernabéu.

How responsible is Fabio Capello for the recovery of team spirit?
He's gets all the credit. I think he tried to instill his values in us. The start of the season wasn't easy for any one, but little by little, especially in the last few months, we've recovered our game, team spirit, and the fighting attitude that has always defined Real Madrid. That's why we're in such a privileged spot. We're leaders and we know we have four finals ahead of us. First up are Recreativo, and the League depends on winning all four matches. We need to maintain this form. We know that winning depends on staying on track, but we also know that our rivals are close behind and can pass us if we don't take the three points on Sunday.

So it's pretty much do or die?
This is an important week for the four top teams because we all have difficult matches and whoever wins will take a huge step forward. This is the most dangerous match we have left in my opinion. They smashed us in the first half of the season. There wasn't any moment that we were ready to fight for the victory, and I think this match will be very complicated. They are also in the hunt for a berth in the UEFA Cup.

Looking at Barça and Sevilla, who would you rather have as a rival?
I think both teams, and Valencia as well, have a chance to win the League. Some dust may clear this weekend depending on how they do. Everything is neck and neck. Sevilla are full of morale after winning the UEFA Cup. Barcelona need a win after their last two results in the King's Cup and the League. But great teams, as we have experienced, have to perform well and play good football when they are in sticky situations. Nothing is certain, but we are lucky that we control our own destiny. We don't have to see what the other teams are doing unless we lose. But we're certain that we'll win and that we'll maintain or increase the distance between us and the second spot.

Can you tell us about you talk with José Ángel Sánchez yesterday ar Jarama?
We just talked. It was a normal conversation and we talked about football, the team, and cars. I have a great relationship with José Ángel.

You know there are Atletico fans that would rather lose to Barcelona than see Real Madrid win the League.
We depend only on ourselves. Everyone has a right to believe what he or she thinks. I think Atletico need to win in order to make it into the UEFA. They deserve it. They've gone through a rough patch, so hopefully they can do it. I would love another Madrilenian team to be in the UEFA, whether it means defeating Barcelona or any other team.

Does the fact that the Club is sending out so many messages of optimism worry you?
I think that it's good that everyone be made aware at times, but we also have to be prepared, because this is a game after all, and we might find ourselves in some trouble on Sunday at 9 pm. Or maybe we'll be very happy. We know what challenges a League and each match can present. I think the tune we've been hearing for several weeks now has helped us out, so let's keep it up.

Do you think fatigue will take its toll on Sevilla?
Sevilla are just cruising right now, and the UEFA boosted their confidence even more. Three months ago people were saying they would wear out, and the team just moved along from semifinal to final... Hats off to Sevilla, and I'd also like to congratulate them for the title, but Espanyol as well because it was a great final. Sevilla have options in every competition. They've won one, and now they're after three points against Deportivo.

Do you see many similarities between this Barcelona and Carlos Queiroz's Real Madrid?
Let's see what happens in the final weeks. It's obvious they are struggling after their last defeat, after drawing against Betis, and after losing the top spot, but Barcelona are a great Club with great, proud players. I am sure they'll play their hearts out on Sunday at the Calderón. But we don't have to focus on the other teams. We have to look at ourselves and know that it will be a touch match. We'll remain leaders if we win, and that's all we're interested in.

How is the squad taking the commitments the Club has once the League ends?
All we're interested in is winning the competition. I'm sure we'll be happier if we win. We are all looking forward to our holiday, but we have to take care of business first. We have to be available for the Club, so our obligation is to go and to make a good impression.

Are the victories the main cause of the better atmosphere?
Winning always helps improve the atmosphere. We are all more confident, the group is happier, and things get complicated, rumours start swirling, and the word 'crisis' comes up if we're having trouble. Living is a lot easier and everything seems nicer when you win. We're going through a great patch now and the fans are totally committed. The team is a lot better psychologically after all the trouble we went through. Turning matches around like we have make us mentally stronger, and we are cofident in our options. We have to maintain this form. What's left is the real test. We're now leaders, but we have to withstand the push over these next four games.

They compared the image of you walking off the pitch last week with that of Juanito. What does that mean to you and how did you feel then?
I think Juanito is a symbol for all Madridistas and that the two images have nothing to do with each other. Throwing the League away at home against Espanyol after all we had suffered would have really hurt, and I think the team reacted after the break, and that's what made us so happy and gave us an up close look at the League. And look, 24 hours later we were leaders. Fans are having fun at the Santiago Bernabéu. We get a whole new feeling when we get to the stadium now than we did several months ago. We have to do as well as we can because we owe it to our fans and we have a great opportunity that we can't let slip away.

Do you think Capello should stay on if you win the League?
Stability is always best for a Club. Capello is the current coach and has two years left on his contract. Our goal is to fight and win the League, then to go on holiday and return together to continue making history with this Club.

Do you think it will be a tight race until the last week or would you rather win it sooner than later?
I don't want to have to suffer so much, but I think it will come down to the wire because there are so many teams that are so close. But I would bet on a victory if it meant playing the last match at home with everything depending on just us. But there's still a long road ahead.

On a personal level, has this year been the hardest?
We'll see what happens. We've gone through some tough patches. We're in good form, but we have to go in for the kill as soon as possible. There's a lot of optimism, but four matches still have to be playes and none of them will be easy.

Is this year's atmosphere different than prior years?
The atmosphere is great. In passed years we were never really in the title running and it was only months ago that we had very little chances this year. The talk of players coming and going always creates tension. Right now, we're all very happy. We have the common goal of winning the League, and that's all we're thinking about. It really helps ease relationships.

In your last press conference, you hinted that the Club should silence all the rumours about your possible departure, and it did. Are you here to stay?
I don't doubt that I will be continuing with Real Madrid, and I didn't have any doubts before the President or Pedja Mijatovic said otherwise. Honestly, I am very happy. I was able to speak to both of them, and sometimes you just have to hear it in person.

There was a bit of controversy after Beckham's fifth yellow cars was rescinded, and now the referees have taken measures when it comes to making post-match decisions. Yout thoughts?
I think measures had to be taken in order to prevent situtations like this from happening, but that's what the Committee, the League, and the FA are for.

Report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Matthew Goltz