Real Madrid

El Clasico - Copa del Rey

2013-02-27T02:35:00.001-08:00

Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid (Agg 2-4)
Relentless Ronaldo demolishes hosts to book Copa final berth
Los Blancos put together a sterling performance in all areas of the pitch to humble their great rivals in their own back yard, and seal a place in the cup final

Real Madrid stormed into the Copa del Rey final in the most stunning manner possible, with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou in the second leg of their last-four clash on Tuesday.

With a 1-1 home draw to overcome from the first leg, Jose Mourinho looked on in jubilation as his team executed their gameplan to perfection, frustrating the Catalans at the back, and through an inspirational Cristiano Ronaldo, giving a counter-attacking clinic up front.

The Portuguese opened the scoring from the penalty spot 12 minutes in, becoming the first player to score in six successive Clasicos away from home, and finished off a surging break shortly before the hour mark to put Madrid in the driving seat.

Raphael Varane put the finishing touches on an unbelievable night for the visitors when he headed home a corner, with Jordi Alba's late goal coming as little consolation for the hosts.

Los Blancos now await either Sevilla or Atletico Madrid in the showpiece event on May 18.

Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi returned to start in midfield for the hosts, with Carles Puyol partnering Gerard Pique in defence. For Madrid, Varane, the standout performer from the first leg, started alongside Sergio Ramos at centre-back.

Barca started positively, and with only two minutes on the clock, were nearly ahead. Pedro did brilliantly to turn Fabio Coentrao inside out and square for Lionel Messi, who narrowly missed the target from a tight angle.

But instead, it would be Madrid who would take the lead. Ronaldo was simply too quick for Pique, and was tripped up inside the area, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty, from which the Portuguese forward slotted coolly into the bottom corner.

The Catalans exhibited their customary dominance of the ball, but Mourinho’s men were ready with discipline and numbers at the back, and a pacey threat on the counter whenever they won possession.

Referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco‎, already the villain of the piece in the eyes of the Camp Nou faithful for the decision against Pique, was showered with further vitriol from the stands after correctly denying penalty appeals for Fabregas and Pedro.

And the home fans were left frustrated again moments before half-time, when Messi drilled a free kick agonisingly into the side netting, with half of the stadium already celebrating a goal.

The Blaugrana went close again minutes after the restart when Diego Lopez parried an effort by Busquets, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking the rebound off the toes of Fabregas from point blank range.

But much like the start of the first half, the chance was spurned, and again, Madrid would punish their profligacy on the counter-attack, this time putting the tie virtually out of reach.

Sami Khedira’s sublime first-time pass after winning the ball released Angel Di Maria against Puyol. The Barca captain was left on his backside by the skill of the winger, whose initial shot was parried by Jose Pinto, only for Ronaldo to bury the rebound.

And with 22 minutes left, Madrid were in dreamland again, when Varane rose highest to head home Mesut Ozil’s corner in almost identical fashion to his goal in the first leg.

Flares were set off in the stands as a few home fans lost patience with events on the pitch, but their mood improved ever so slightly just before injury time when Alba ghosted in behind the full-back to slot Andres Iniesta's clipped pass beyond Lopez.

But the damage was long done by the irrepressible visitors, who will now contest the final in three months. The Clasico drama is not quite done, however, as both sides will lock horns at Santiago Bernabeu in la Liga on Saturday.

Source: goal.com

Happy 2013!

2012-12-31T01:46:00.002-08:00

HALA MADRID!

Pepe: “We are Real Madrid and we are going to fight until the end”

2012-12-09T06:12:00.002-08:00

“There are still many points to be contested, what counts now is that we keep playing better and better and that the Real Madrid fans feel proud of us,” added Ramos.

Pepe was pleased with Real Madrid’s work in the Nuevo Zorrilla stadium and he analyzed the win over Valladolid: “Today we worked a lot to come out of here with a win and thanks to God we got the three points. It was an extremely difficult game for us. They scored two goals from set pieces, but I think that we could have won by a much bigger margin. We have to keep fighting, we are Real Madrid and we are going to fight until the end”.

Ramos was in the starting eleven in the hard-won victory against Valladolid, which he analyzed: “It’s obvious that today’s game serves to keep us improving and growing. The team is always trying to improve. There is still a lot of Liga ahead of us and many points to be determined. What counts now is that we keep playing better and better, and that the Real Madrid fans feel proud of us, despite everything. It’s undeniable that we have to keep improving. In the first half we were too confident on the set pieces, but that is no excuse. When you mess up you have to admit it.”

His teammate Pepe is aware that the team has to keep working on set pieces: “We know very well that it is a weak point, but we are going to improve. We work a lot to not let those types of goals in, but they are things that happen in the game for which we need to be prepared. We have to keep fighting, we are Real Madrid and we are going to fight until the end.” Even so, the Portuguese player was pleased with the players’ work: “Today we worked a lot to come out of here with a win and thanks to God we got the three points. The most important thing for us is to do our job, we are Real Madrid and we have to win every game.” He also dedicated a few words to his teammate Özil: “Not only Cristiano makes foul shots well, so does Özil, but the most important thing is for all of the players to work together to help the team.”

When asked about his goal that was annulled due to an offside call, Ramos said: “I’m happy because in the end we were able to win, but if there had been a different result, it would be another story. There has already been more than one game in which we’ve been hurt. That’s football, some decisions hurt you and others don’t. We stress this issue, because despite the fact that a big distance separates us from those who are on top, we know that any type of slip-up would make things impossible. And we don’t want it to be because of an issue with the ref.”

Source: realmadrid.com

Sergio Ramos has scored in all of his eight seasons with Real Madrid

2012-11-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

The second captain has accumulated 27 goals with the white team, which he joined in the summer of 2005

Sergio Ramos has scored in all of the eight seasons that he has worn the white shirt. Since his debut with the team on September 10, 2005 against Celta de Vigo, he has scored in all of the official competitions that he has played with Real Madrid and in all of his seasons with the team. The second white captain has scored a total of 37 goals in the 327 games that he has played.

He netted his first goal for Real Madrid on December 6, 2005 in the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium, in a Champions League game against Olympiacos. He was the first to score in the game, in minute seven. Since that goal, Sergio Ramos has scored 36 more. His most recent goal for the team, which started up his record this season, came last Saturday against the Athletic Club. With an average of 4.62 goals per season, Ramos continues to prove himself one of the best defenders in the world.

Source: realmadrid.com

Mourinho will reach 100 matches in the Champions League against Manchester City

2012-11-07T09:24:00.001-08:00

The Portuguese coach, who has won the competition twice, will become the youngest coach ever to reach this figure

José Mourinho will accumulate 100 matches in the Champions League with Real Madrid’s next scheduled European match, which will take place on Wednesday, November 21, when the white team visits Manchester City on the fifth day of play in the Group Phase. The Portuguese coach has totaled 54 wins, 25 draws, and 20 losses over the course of his 11 seasons in the Champions League, in which he earned two titles, in 2004 and 2010. Mourinho will coach his 100th game at only 49 years of age, making him the youngest coach in history to reach this figure.

Only four coaches have coached 100 games in the history of the Champions League. After the game that Real Madrid will play in Manchester, José Mourinho will join this privileged list. What is more, he will do so at the age of 49, thus becoming the youngest coach ever to do so. Up until now, Ancelotti had held this honor, having reached 100 matches at the age of 51 years two seasons ago. Wenger and Hitzfeld did so at 58, and Ferguson, at 62.

Over the course of his 11 seasons in the Champions League, Mourinho has been at the helm of four different teams. He started his career with Oporto in 2001/02, and played 17 games with the Portuguese team, with final statistics of eight wins, five ties, and four losses. It was with Oporto that he won the first of his two titles, in the 2003/04 season, beating Monaco in the final. He spent four years as the Chelsea coach, reaching the semifinals twice. He left England with a record of 16 wins, nine draws, and eight losses. From 2008 to 2010 he coached Inter in 21 Champions League games, winning the championship in the final game against Bayern 0-2.

Mourinho’s best statistics have been as the Real Madrid coach, since he has won 20 of the 28 games played. The Portuguese came to the white club in 2010 and reversed a six-year-long negative dynamic of not advancing beyond the round of sixteen. In his first two seasons, Real Madrid once again placed among the favorites to win the title, reaching the semifinals both times.

Source: realmadrid.com

Casillas continues to make history

2012-11-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

Iker Casillas is now the keeper who has played the most matches for the same team in the history of the League

The captain of the white team played match number 467 for Real Madrid against Zaragoza in the championship

Iker Casillas continues to make history in Real Madrid and the Spanish League. After playing 90 minutes against Zaragoza, the white team captain has become the keeper with the most matches for the same team in the history of the First Division with 467, beating by one the Athletic de Bilbao keeper Iribar (466).

On reaching the figure of 467 matches in the First Division, Casillas has become the keeper who has played the most matches with a single team in the history of the League, and he is also the keeper with the most victories without changing clubs. With 303 wins he is above all other keepers, and is only beaten overall by Zubizarreta, with a total of 333 achieved with three different teams.

The Madrid captain is now the keeper with the fourth greatest number of matches played, only at present beaten by Zubizarreta, who`played 622 between Athletic de Bilbao, Barcelona and Valencia; Buyo, who played 542 in Sevilla and Real Madrid; and Esnaola, who reached 469 as a player with Real Sociedad and Betis.

In his tenth campaign as a Madrid player Casillas is already the player with the third highest number of matches played with the white team in the First Division. Only Raúl, with 550, and Sanchís, with 523, have played more. Among all teams Casillas is twelfth in the number of matches played in the tournament.

Source: realmadrid.com

Champions League's top scores!

2012-10-23T02:22:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid are this season's Champions League top scorers

The Whites who have seven goals in the competition also lead number of shots and assists.

Real Madrid have two wins from the two matches played so far in the Champions League group stage and lead group D after victories against Manchester City at home and Ajax away. The Whites have scored seven goals and are top scorers in the tournament this season. Furthermore, Real Madrid have had the most shots (33) and also the most assists (6) in the competition so far.

The team lead by José Mourinho started this season’s European journey with an epic comeback in the Bernabéu against Manchester City. 3-2 was the final score in this first victory thanks to goals from Marcelo, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo and was followed by a more forceful (1-4) display against Ajax in Amsterdam on match day two. Ronaldo, this time scored a hat-trick, and Benzema found the net once again.

With seven goals in two matches Real Madrid have scored the most goals, followed by Málaga, Bate Borisov (Belarus) and Chelsea (England), with six goals each. Mourinho’s men have had good attacking performances and are also the team that have had the most shots on goal with 33 to date, followed by Braga (Portugal) with 29 and Dortmund (Germany) with 25.

The Real Madrid squad also have the most assists in these first two matches with six decisive passes made by their players. Benzema and Di María have two assists each and top the list along with Giroud (Arsenal), Rooney (Manchester United), Cole (Chelsea), Messi (Barcelona), Eder (Braga), Volodko (Bate Borisov) and Sougou (Cluj). Marcelo and Kaka are the other two players with assists.

Source: realmadrid.com

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Celta Vigo

2012-10-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo

Higuain & Ronaldo clinch straightforward win

Jose Mourinho's men close the gap on Barcelona with goals from the Argentine and Portuguese attackers, in what was a low-key performance at Santiago Bernabeu

A goal each from Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Real Madrid a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo in the Spanish Primera Division on Saturday evening.

It was by no means a vintage performance from Los Blancos, but dominance in possession throughout the match enabled the Argentine and Portuguese to find the net in either half, in what was a largely forgettable encounter at Santiago Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho’s men controlled the play in the opening stages of the match, and although plenty of ball retention was evident in the midfield area, there was a lack of goalmouth action to get the home faithful off their seats.

However, their dominance paid off in the 11th minute in fortuitous circumstances. Higuain found space on the left-hand side and attempted to swing the ball into the box, but his cross floated over the head of Celta goalkeeper Sergio, who appeared to be fooled by the flight of the ball.

The hosts continued their patient build-up play for the much of the first period, and should have doubled their advantage when Higuain found himself on the wing again, dinking a cross into the centre for Ronaldo, but the Portuguese powered his header over the bar from just outside the six-yard box.

Celta began to grow into the match as the second half went on, and Iago Aspas looked the most likely to grab a goal back for the visitors. The 25-year-old enjoyed a few decent sighters at goal from the edge of the box, with one attempt forcing Iker Casillas into a smart save.

As the second half commenced, Madrid’s play was lacklustre to say the least, with passes going astray all too often, with Ronaldo in particular guilty of dallying in possession too often in the final third.

Despite playing within themselves, the home side were gifted an opportunity to double their lead, when Gustavo Cabral got the wrong side of Mesut Ozil inside the area and brought the German to the floor. A penalty kick was awarded and Ronaldo stepped up confidently to dispatch into the bottom left corner.

Having withdrawn Kaka at half-time for Angel di Maria, Mourinho utilised his squad further with 20 minutes to go, introducing Jose Callejon in place of Ozil, and the substitute almost made an immediate impact when he latched on to a Higuain pass down the inside right channel, only to see his shot flash past the left-hand post.

The 25-year old was impressive after coming on, and had another opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet in the 78th minute when he drifted beyond the Celta defence and took down Sergio Ramos’ pass over the top. His swift turn led to a strike at goal, but his attempt was stopped by the legs of the visiting goalkeeper.

That proved to be the last action of an underwhelming encounter; Real Madrid now move within five points of league leaders Barcelona, with the Catalan side facing Deportivo on Saturday evening. Celta Vigo remain in the bottom half of the table with nine points taken from eight matches.

Source: goal.com

Will Sergio Ramos go to Chelsea?

2012-09-25T23:29:00.003-07:00

Sergio Ramos to Chelsea

Sergio Ramos recently fell out with Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese tactician dropped the Spanish international for the Champions League tie with Manchester City.

Ramos, who is a huge star with Los Merengues, did not take kindly to this decision, and if his relationship with the Special One cannot be mended quickly, then the former Sevilla defender might be sold as soon as January.

Chelsea, who recently signed right-back Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille, are reported to be interested in Ramos, according to the Daily Mail.

The World Cup winner is equally adept at playing in the middle of the defence and would provide the Blues with a plethora of defensive options moving forward.

Real Madrid wins from Man City

2012-09-19T03:24:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid 3 - 2 Manchester City

Cristiano Ronaldo's last-minute winner gave Real Madrid a thrilling victory over Manchester City in a pulsating Champions League clash at the Bernabeu.

City keeper Joe Hart kept his side in the game before they took a shock lead through Edin Dzeko's breakaway goal.

Marcelo equalised with a deflected shot but City led again when Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick flew straight in.

In a frantic finale, Karim Benzema levelled before Ronaldo's shot flew past an unsighted Hart to win it.

That brought a spectacular sliding celebration from Real boss Jose Mourinho - who had questioned his side's focus and commitment in recent days - and provided an extraordinary finish to a game which had been completely one-sided for long periods.

The Spanish side dominated until Dzeko put City ahead after the hour mark, with Hart rescuing his side on several occasions.

But, having led with less than three minutes remaining, Roberto Mancini's men will still feel they should have won the game, let alone finish up empty-handed as they began their campaign in Group D.

A trip to the home of the Spanish champions always looked a tough way for City to begin their task of reaching the knockout stages for the first time, especially because there was no sign of any lethargy or discontent in the Real camp.

They took the game to City from the start and, inside the first five minutes, Ronaldo tested Hart for the first time when he cut inside Vincent Kompany and fired in a low shot that was heading for the bottom corner until the England keeper clawed it to safety.

That set the pattern for the rest of the first half, with Ronaldo giving Maicon a torrid time down the right, while Angel di Maria and Alvaro Arbeloa saw plenty of the ball on the opposite flank.

Hart had to come to City's rescue again with an instinctive block to keep out Gonzalo Higuain's header from Ronaldo's cross-shot, before racing off his line to close down Higuain after he beat the offside trap.

By now, Real were completely dominant and City were also grateful for some poor finishing from Higuain and Sami Khedira, who both missed the target from point-blank range.

Tellingly, Yaya Toure was City's only attacking outlet before the break, twice causing the Real defence problems after running at them from deep positions but failing to find a decisive final ball.

He was to put that right in style when he again charged forward and fed Dzeko, who steadied himself before firing home.

The goal came completely against the run of play, but it was almost followed by a second for the visitors when Carlos Tevez slipped Toure free. However he was off balance when he let fly inside the box and could only fire into the side netting.

Mourinho made a flurry of changes in a bid to rescue the game, with Benzema and Luka Modric both flung on, and in the end the home side's pressure told.

Marcelo, who had earlier gone close with two fizzing efforts from the edge of the box, made it third time lucky when he stepped inside Vincent Kompany and saw his shot come off Javi Garcia and fly into the net.

The visitors remained on the back foot but they also remained a threat at the other end, and Kolarov restored their lead when he bent the ball straight into the net from 25 yards out.

Again, the travelling fans scented what would have been a famous triumph but, once more, Real came forward, with Benzema turning inside Matija Nastasic before finding the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

From being on the brink of victory, City were now clinging on for a point. There was yet more drama to come, however, and it was former Manchester United star Ronaldo who would provide it.

With the 90 minutes almost up, he cut inside from the left and, after Kompany ducked under his shot, the ball cruelly fizzed past the helpless Hart.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

2012-09-18T02:22:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid is already concentrated

The 21 players called up by José Mourinho left the Real Madrid Football City for the Sheraton Mirasierra hotel where they will remain until just hours before their clash with Manchester City.

The Whites are already concentrated to go up against Manchester City in their first game of the current edition of the Champions League. The 21 players called up by Whites coach José Mourinho left the Real Madrid Football City, where they finished their last training session, and headed for the Sheraton Mirasierra hotel, where they will remain until just hours before the clash.

The Whites, who trained with the ball of Europe's top competition, finished getting ready at the Real Madrid Football City for the match against Manchester City.

Real Madrid has got everything ready for today to face their début in the current edition of the Champions League against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium (20:45, Spanish TV Channel La 1). The eight outfield players who have played for the most minutes at the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium trained on the grass of pitch 1 at Valdebebas.

Real Madrid completed the last session before their début in the Champions League: José Mourinho divided his players into three groups. In the first group, the eight outfield players who have played for the most minutes at the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium trained at a more relaxed pace. Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Khedira, Alonso, Ronaldo and Higuaín worked together with assistant coach Rui Faria.

The second group, which had more players and trained at a faster pace, was made up of the rest of the outfield players that the Portuguese coach had for the session. Casillas, Adán and Jesús worked on specific aspects with the goalkeeper coach Silvino Louro.

... and who is gonna win today's match?

... and what's the score??

I say: 2 - 1

Hala Madrid!

source: realmadrid.com

Michael Essien, new Real Madrid player

2012-09-02T07:43:00.001-07:00

Michael Essien passes medical

The Ghanaian player successfully passed the tests that he underwent in the Sanitas La Moraleja hospital

The new Real Madrid player, Michael Essien, has passed the medical examination which took place in the Sanitas La Moraleja hospital, prior to signing for to Whites. The Ghanaian passed the different tests that were performed without any problems.

A multi-faceted Ghanaian midfielder with great physical performance arrives on loan from Chelsea, where he was already under the charge of Jose Mourinho.

Michael Essien (Accra, Ghana, 12-03-1982) will play on loan to Real Madrid for the 2012/13 season. A midfielder with great physical performance, he's coming from Chelsea to reinforce the team led by Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach knows the African football player well, having had him under his charge on the English team. Twice champion of the French League and another two times in the Premier League, Essien joins the white squad after disputing 243 games at Chelsea.

When he signed for Chelsea in 2005, Jose Mourinho couldn’t have been more eloquent. He used the word “multifunctional” to describe the capped Ghanaian. Because Michael Essien has one ability that stands out above all others, and that is his versatility. The new Real Madrid football player has developed in midfield most of his career, but he has also played right-back wing and defensive centre-back.

After shining for Ghana’s team in the World U-17 played in New Zealand in 1999, Essien made the leap to European football to sign for Bastia in 2000. Two seasons were enough to dazzle one of the greats and sign for Olympique Lyonnais in 2002. And three more to wind up on Chelsea. His physical strength has allowed him to achieve excellent performance on defence. But Essien also has a great ability, from midfield, to organize his team's attacks, run, and make goals. On the Chelsea team, the Ghanaian played 243 games and made 25 goals.

One of the most important years of his career came in 2006, since he won the first of two English Leagues with Chelsea and made his debut with Ghana in a World Cup. He is also a fundamental man for his national team, both on the defence and on the attack. Essien has been capped 52 times and has made nine goals.

Source: realmadrid.com

Getafe 2-1 Real Madrid

2012-08-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

Barrada strikes to stun champions

Goals from the Moroccan and Juan Valera cancel out Gonzalo Higuain's first-half strike to heap misery on Los Blancos, who are now three matches without a win

Real Madrid have handed a five-point lead to Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Primera Division after slumping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Sunday evening.

Los Blancos took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Gonzalo Higuain, but a two-goal salvo in the second period and a plucky performance from the hosts left Jose Mourinho's men without a win in their first three competitive games of the season.

Madrid came within inches of opening the scoring early in the contest. Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo exchanged a neat one-two inside the Getafe box, but when the ball came back to the German six yards out, and with the goal gaping, he smashed against the crossbar.

Ronaldo, who was subdued in the draw with Valencia last weekend, had the opportunity to take centre stage five minutes later with a pair of free kick attempts on Miguel Angel Moya's goal. The Getafe shot-stopper had to be at his best for the second, as it bounced wickedly a few yards from goal, but the 28-year-old kept concentration to palm to safety.

Jose Mourinho's men eventually took a deserved lead through a well-worked goal just before the half-hour mark. Angel di Maria dropped into a pocket of space just in front of the Getafe defence and slid a pass through to Higuain, who showed intelligence to ride the challenge of Alexis and take the ball past Moya before sliding home from a tight angle.

The battle between Moya and Ronaldo continued, and once again the Getafe goalkeeper came out on top just before the break. The Portuguese cut in from the left-hand side and lashed an effort at goal, only to be denied by a solid save from the confident goalkeeper.

The hosts, outplayed for much of the opening period, came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, and with an added impetus in their play, levelled the game in the 53nd minute. Abdel Barrada was the provider as he whipped in a cross from the right flank for Juan Valera, who powered a header past the rooted Iker Casillas.

Ronaldo tested Moya yet again in the 70th minute when he drifted into a central area and flicked up the ball on the edge of the box, but his snatched volley bobbled into the hands of the Getafe goalkeeper, with the Real Madrid man cutting a frustrated figure.

Mourinho looked to be going for broke, with the introduction of Karim Benzema in place of Diarra, but the added space in dangerous areas for Getafe led to the hosts taking the lead 15 minutes from time.

Substitute Adrian Colunga left Albiol for dead down the left and drove forward before sliding a pass inside to Barrada, who took a touch before slamming the ball past Casillas, sending the modest crowd into raptures.

The final insult on a horrible evening for the capital giants came when Fabio Coentrao received a red card while sitting in the dugout, following an exchange of words with the officials.

The result leaves Real Madrid with just one point taken from the opening two matches, and already the champions are playing catch-up on their arch rivals Barca.

Source: goal.com

Luka Modric to play for Real Madrid

2012-08-27T02:44:00.000-07:00

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is a talented organiser in attack

Luka Modric has become Real Madrid's first signing for the 2012/13 season. The midfielder was Tottenham Hotspur's main playmaker and one of their greatest stars. Modric has great personality and creativity, which allow him to easily connect with teammates and organise the team's game. He is also an excellent assist-man and makes sacrifices for the team.

Born on 9 September 1985, Modric joined Dinamo Zagreb when he was only 16. The Croatian club loaned him to Bosnian First Division side Zrinjski in the 2003/04 campaign and he earned the Best Player award in the championship. He was then loaned to Zapresic, where his football and talent helped them finish second in the Croatian league. He returned to Dinamo in 2005.

In three seasons Modric truly bloomed and won three league titles, two Cups of Croatia and Best Player honours in 2007. Tottenham noticed him and he joined them in the summer of 2008. In four years, he helped turn the English side into one of the greats in the Premier League, reaching the top four in the 2009/10 and 2011/12 seasons, and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals in the 2010/11 campaign, where they lost to Real Madrid. Modric played 127 games in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals and serving 24 assists.

The midfielder is also the standout player on the Croatian national team, with whom he's played 57 encounters and netted eight strikes; he made the Euro 2008 Ideal Team. His international career began with the Under-21s, but he soon made his first team debut with Croatia in 2006 when he was only 20 years old in a 3-2 win over Argentina.

Real Madrid now have a very talented and creative organiser in midfield, an offensive player who can assist his teammates and move the ball around intelligently while always working hard and making sacrifices for the good of the team.

Pepe thanks all for the support

2012-08-21T09:14:00.002-07:00

Pepe: "Very soon I will be in perfect shape to continue fighting for the shirt and for our club"

"I want to thank you all for the great of support I have received since Sunday, especially from the Real Madrid fans, it has really warmed my heart" added the Whites’ defender.

Pepe, who was discharged from hospital yesterday and today passed by Valdebebas to say hello to his team mates wanted to send a message through Realmadrid.com to the Real Madrid fans to say thank you for the support of everyone that have been concerned about his health: "I want to thank you all for the many messages of support that I have received over the past few days. I'm flattered by the encouragement I have received since Sunday, especially from the Real Madrid fans, it has really warmed my heart. Very soon I will be in perfect shape to continue fighting for the shirt and for our club. The continued support that there has been from team mates, coaches, managers and all employees of the club has been great. I want to say a very special thanks to the club doctors, who have been and still are at my side at all times. I also want to thank all of those players from other clubs that have been in touch in various ways that have been concerned for my health. These are great gestures that will not be forgotten. A big hug to everyone".

Source: realmadrid.com

Real Madrid weekend report.

2012-08-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

1-1: Real Madrid deserved much more

The Whites, much superior to their rivals, had to overcome even the posts against Valencia who clung on thanks to Alves and who only had one chance on target

Three months later, almost 100 days, 99 to be exact, the Liga returned to the Santiago Bernabeu. The return of the Liga saw Real Madrid held to a draw despite being far superior to their opponents. The Whites had almost 20 clear opportunities to win the encounter, 11 corners and a clear penalty that was not awarded by referee Delgado Ferreiro. Higuaín put the home team ahead and Jonas, in the closing minutes of the first half, equalised with what proved to be Pellegrino’s team’s only shot on goal. In the second half there were more and more opportunities for the Whites, who came across an inspired Alves and even the crossbar from a Higuaín header. The start to a season is always difficult, but this Real Madrid team, the same squad that won 100 points and scored 121 goals last season, showed clear signs of their pride and wining mentality.

With suffocating pressure up front and plenty of balance in the midfield, Real Madrid was the first team to fire a warning shot, doing so on two occasions barely inside the first five minutes, both shots coming from the forwards. Cristiano Ronaldo was the first to shoot in the second minute, and Di María did the same two minutes later, before setting up Higuaín to put the Whites ahead on the scoreboard. The Argentine’s precise pass was made the most of by his fellow countryman who, in the right position, controlled the ball, and after three attempts, beat Alves. Higuaín scored Real Madrid’s first official goal of the season and only needed 9 minutes to do so.

Nothing changed after the goal. Real Madrid and Valencia shared possession of the ball but the hosts were the only team to convert the possession into opportunities. Xabi Alonso from outside the area in minute 23, Özil, who struck badly with his right foot in minute 34, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who attempted a volley and a poor clearance Alves in minute 39, all had chances to score the second goal. However, the best opportunity fell to Coentrão. A spectacular one-two between Higuaín and CR7 and the Portuguese player’s inviting pass left his fellow countryman in front of the visiting goalkeeper. His shot was cleared by Alves, who put the ball behind for a corner.

Everything seemed to point towards Real Madrid heading to the dressing rooms with an advantage on the scoreboard, but bad luck had other designs and with four minutes remaining in the first half. A free-kick taken by Tino Costa and Jonas stole a march on Casillas to beat him with a header. It was the visitors only shot on target and after the play both Pepe and the Madrid captain had to be attended to, after clashing in the air with teammate Xabi Alonso. Both received knocks, although the defender was the worse off of the two, ending the first half with a bandage around his head and had to be substituted by Albiol when the game got underway after the break.

A rush of opportunities after the break

Real Madrid was the dominant team in the second half. The Whites were dangerous and Valencia defended as they could and attempted to surprise the Whites on the counter attack. The opportunities kept coming and Mourinho, courageous and attacking, gambled by adding more cutting edge to the team. Benzema replaced Lass in minute 60, and from that moment the hosts had ten clear opportunities to score their second goal. Higuaín had the clearest of the opportunities, but his header met the crossbar after beating Alves minute 65.

Real Madrid was a force to be reckoned with. Özil once again came across an inspired Alves in minute 66, Benzema was off target in front of goal in minute 67 and this was the case for another ten opportunities. Even Di María claimed a clear penalty. The Argentine, was knocked down by his fellow countryman Gago, fell down injured and had to be replaced immediately by Callejón, who could have given his team victory but whose great left-footed shot was brilliantly stopped by the Valencia goalkeeper in minute 82. More and more opportunities came until the final whistle, bringing to an end an undeserved draw for a team that has showed clear signs of their pride and wining mentality. The Whites return to action on Thursday at the Camp Nou, with the Spanish Super Cup up for grabs.

Pepe discharged from hospital

After spending the night under observation, the Real Madrid defender has left the hospital and will be in the care of the club's medical services.

The Real Madrid player, Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira, 'Pepe', was discharged from hospital this morning. The Real Madrid defender spent the night under observation in the hospital following a knock to the head he suffered in a collision with his team mate Casillas. Carlos Díez, head of medical services at Sanitas-Real Madrid, explained that because the tests went well they have decided that the player could go home because everything was "very good."

Dr. Carlos Díez said that yesterday they had followed the standard procedures for when someone suffers a blow to the head. "Normally, with a head injury, we have the player under observation for 24 hours. More importantly, we brought him to the hospital where we could carry out the necessary tests, all of which have come out negative. He spent the night under observation and everything is very good and we have decided, with the help of Real Madrid’s medical services, that the player may be discharged from the hospital without any problem."

Higuaín: “We could have easily won, but bad luck is also a factor”

"I'm eternally grateful to this club and to the fans. I'm here and have no intention of leaving", assured the player who scored the goal against Valencia.

Gonzalo Higuaín was once again the protagonist on the field of play. He scored the Whites' goal and showed optimism regarding the next match: “We'll try to do things as well as possible in order to achieve victory against Barcelona”. In addition, he wanted to express his gratitude to the club and the fans for the support they've shown him: “I've been in Real Madrid for many years and was able to achieve many titles. People treat me really well and the teammates too. I'm eternally grateful to the fans and to this club. I'm here and have no intention of leaving”.

Regarding the game, he explained the team's bad luck in terms of scoring: “Unfortunately we drew in a match we could have won. There were opportunities to win in the second half, but these things happen in football and bad luck is also a factor. They scored against us very close to half-time. Last year Guaita blocked many of our shots at goal and this year it was Alves who played very well. It would have been better to start off with a win, but it wasn't to be and we have to move on”.

His role in the team is very important and proof of this are the goals that he has already scored against Valencia: “I always aim to help the team because all matches are important, regardless of who they're against”. The Argentinian also took the time to encourage his teammate Pepe, who suffered an injury during the match and had to be substituted: “I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he's with us as soon as possible”.

Source: realmadrid.com

Real Madrid news!

2012-08-12T02:16:00.002-07:00

Real Madrid 2-0 Celtic

Callejon and Benzema ensure straightforward defeat for SPL champions

Goals from Jose Callejon and Karim Benzema hands the Spanish champions a final American tour victory while Dylan McGeough suffers a head injury late-on for the Scots

Real Madrid finished off their American tour in superb style with a comfortable victory over Scottish champions Celtic.

Goals from Jose Callejon and Karim Benzema helped the Spanish giants to go into the start of the league season in winning form.

The game, however, had a sour note as young Celtic winger Dylan McGeough was stretchered off late on after a nasty clash of heads with Nuri Sahin.

Celtic were forced to make a change to their line-up before the game even started, with Anthony Stokes pulling up injured in the warm-up, he was replaced in the side by defender Thomas Rogne, which meant an alteration to the Hoops style.

The Spanish champions had the first real chance after an open first quarter of an hour, as Cristiano Ronaldo raced down the left wing, before cutting back and losing defender Adam Matthews, he then crossed to the back post for Callejon, but his strike went just wide.

Ronaldo then had his own effort on goal as he raced forward, but unfortunately for the Portguese winger his strike went just wide of Lukasz Zaluska’s goal.

Next up for Real Madrid was Kaka, as they looked to open the scoring against their Scottish opponents, with the Brazilian midfielder receiving the ball on the right hand side of the penalty area, but his effort was blocked by Zaluska away from danger.

Jose Mourinho’s side eventually took the lead as Xabi Alonso played a ball towards Gonzalo Higuain. His strike was saved by Zaluska, but the rebound fell into the path of Callejon who slid the ball in from close range.

Real Madrid could have had a second, minutes later as Alonso floated in a free kick from the right wing, onto the head of Higuain, but his effort went just over the bar.

Neil Lennon’s team finally started to get into the game and were almost back on level terms as Kris Commons raced with the ball down the right wing and crossed to the back post, but before Mulgrew could get near the ball Alvaro Arbeloa got his head to it to divert for a corner.

Just before the half time whistle, the Scottish champions had their best chance of the first period, with Joe Ledley receiving the ball on the halfway line before darting forward, but his strike went over the bar.

The Spanish outfit came out for the second half with a renewed vigour and almost doubled their lead, as Alonso fired a cross in search of Sergio Ramos, but the ball went beyond the defender and out for a goal kick.

Mourinho's side continued to pepper the Celtic goal, as Ronaldo dashed in from the left wing, and crossed in search of substitute Benzema, but before the French striker could tap the ball home, Kelvin Wilson stuck out a leg to deflect the ball clear.

The one way traffic continued with Mesut Ozil crossing from the left wing for Esteban Granero on the edge of the area, but his shot went well over the bar.

Midway through the second half Real Madrid finally got their second as Ozil found Benzema free on the left wing, the striker then raced in on goal and drove the ball through Matthews legs and beyond Zaluska’s outstretched arms.

Angel di Maria nearly added to his side’s lead after a superb move involving him and Benzema, before he had a strike from the left hand side of the penalty area which was deflected away for a corner kick.

Celtic were then handed a huge blow as McGeouch suffered a large clash of heads with Sahin which left the 19-year-old winger crumpled on the ground.

The Celtic medical staff was quick off the mark to help the youngster, along with their Real Madrid counterparts, as McGeouch received the care and attention he needed before being stretchered off the park.

Real Madrid continued to push forward for the reminder of the game, with Benzema once again finding Di Maria, but his strike went wide of Zaluska’s left hand post and out for a goal kick.

The game then petered out with both sides comfortable with the final score as they finish their pre-season campaigns.

Source: goal.com

Xabi Alonso: “We're ready for the start of the season”

“We always want to win, but the aim of this preparation was to get into a good space and we've achieved this”, said the Whites midfielder.

Real Madrid concluded their American tour with their fourth victory against Celtic in the four matches that they have played. Xabi Alonso took stock of the good pre-season that the team has carried out. “We always want to win, but the aim of this preparation was to get into a good space and we've achieved this. In addition, the results have been very good. We're ready for the start of the season and we want to do it in the best possible way”, said the midfielder.

Alonso considered it very positive that this is the third campaign that they embark on with the same coaching staff and that the footballers know the team's playing style very well,“There's a little way to go, but the base is there and the pieces have come together. It's been a short pre-season because we haven't had much time and now we're heading off with the national team and we'll be away for a few days, but we're used to it. It isn't anything new and we hope to start the year well. Many things are already prepared and it's a step forward”.

The team has achieved great results and all the players rise to the challenge when they hit the pitch, something that the Real Madrid midfielder knows will be key to accomplish the aims of the season,“It's a good sign because we have a good foundation and everything that comes after will be improvements. “What's important is that everything that is in the squad right now will serve for what we face during the season”.

In relation to first match of la Liga and the Spanish Super Cup match against Barcelona, Alonso was clear,“We have to be ready because they are matches that require you to give 100% and we have to be in peak form right from the start. We can't think that it's going to be easy. They are both important matches. We know that all Liga matches are very important and the first more so. In addition, the Spanish Super Cup is the first title and we want to win it. We prioritise both. Neither is more important than the other. The Spanish Super Cup is important because you're playing for a title, but I don't think it offers any advantage for the future”.Lastly, he spoke of the tour's other highlights. “I've played everything. I really like sports. I've had a really good time here playing baseball and American football”.

Mourinho: "We're going to fight for each match and each title with all our might"

"We want to want to win titles again and return to Cibeles, which is the best end to a season you can have", said Real Madrid's coach.

José Mourinho faces his third season leading Real Madrid. He does it "excited after two years in which this team has gone from strength to strength and has always won a title". One day shy of concluding the American tour, the White's coach reflected on the pre-season and analysed the campaign about to commence with the first fixture of la Liga against Valencia August 19 in the Santiago Bernabéu. "We're going to fight for each match and each title with all our might. You can't promise more because there are factors that you can't control. This sport is and always will be a game and games are unpredictable. I like reducing this uncertainty to an absolute minimum and having Real Madrid win many more times than not. We want to want to win titles again and return to Cibeles, which is the best end to a season you can have".

What's your assessment of Real Madrid's tour in the United States?

It hasn't finished yet, but it's going well. We worked hard and well in the first period and later the games have turned out how we wanted them to. The first fixture was against an American team that was more worried about playing well and allowing good play. The next match was more complicated, more competitive and intense, against a Mexican team. Later, we played a top level European team in a stadium that we new would bring motivation on the one hand and responsibility on the other. It was good for us and now we're going to finish by playing a team with a completely different profile that plays a British style of football. We're playing well, once again putting together the pieces of a machine that was already working well and trying to step up our intensity and confidence. We're preparing ourselves as best as possible to start well.

Many players have pointed out that this team is well established and that two years of work are paying off. Is this team really so united?

It helps when people know each other and get on well together. The players might have been together for a long time but if there's no empathy and pleasure in working together you have a bigger problem than when you're putting together a group. We all get along well, we know each other well both on a personal level and in terms of football. They know the way I work and my ideas and I know them, their great qualities and the small problems that always exist. We're excited about our third year after two in which we've gone from strength to strength and have always won a title. Last year's was more important than the one the year before. That's where we are and it's a shame that the national teams are leaving us in a complicated situation next week before the championship begins. That's the calendar. We knew about it months ago and we've tried to organise the pre-season in a balanced way so that the players can start, perhaps not all-out, but well.

Much has been said about the goal-fest against Milan and the play deployed by your team. Did José Mourinho expect Real Madrid to respond in this way at this stage in the preparation?

We played well. We won the match and I think that for the players the stadium was an additional motivating factor. The stadium was packed with fans and people that feel a special connection to the team because they don't live in Spain. Another motivating factor was the reputation of our rivals and we played all-out and prepared really well. The result is rewarding but not essential. What's essential is that we play well and we did it at a level at which we played many times last season. They are small factors that add to the confidence this team already has.

In the game against Milan, were we seeing the Real Madrid of Mourinho's third year?

I don't know. We played the first half well against a very closed team that came on with very defensive play and many players at the back. It made us think about our play. That's going to happen to us a lot with teams that are going to lock down against us. When we scored the second goal in the second half and they wanted to attack, the game profile changed. They played more offensively, leaving a lot of space for our transitions. It was a rich game in a tactical sense to train us.

There are many people that wonder why you enjoy coming to the United States so much for the pre-season. In New York, in the Yankee Stadium, we saw many reasons to do it...

The people that ask me that only do so once. The president asked me and after coming he's never asked me again. This time he came with us and we've loved having him. He's not going to ask me again why I want to come because he's going to enjoy coming back himself. With the exception of Philadelphia, where we knew what the temperature would be like, the climate is perfect for working. The organisation is perfect, the matches are good, the stadiums and the fans motivational. We promote Real Madrid in an important market, we promote football in a country where it isn't the top sport. I also think it's good for the club economically... It's also perfect for the players on the Spanish national team because they're going to stay and head from here to Costa Rica, which is much closer than if they had to return to Europe and it saves them some hours of travel. It's perfect for everyone and it's a great experience. I've been doing it for seven years and I want to continue because I like it a lot. Whoever comes never asks again.

They also like you a lot here. In the Yankee Stadium we saw a banner where they proposed you for president of the United States...

It must have been a friend of mine doing propaganda.

Source: realmadrid.com

Real Madrid rest until Wednesday afternoon

Flying back to Madrid

Real Madrid has successfully completed its pre-season commitments after winning the four matches they played in their tour of the United States. After flying to the capital from Philadelphia in the early hours of Sunday, Real Madrid will rest until Wednesday afternoon, which is when they go back to work in Valdebebas. José Mourinho will lead a training session at 18:00, which will be behind closed doors.

Real Madrid fan club in Catalunya!

2012-08-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from my vacation in Spain. I've had a great time. Sunshine everyday ... swimmingpool, beach ... what else could I wish!!! Vacation in my favorite country. I always feel home in Spain ...

... back to my roots!

I've visited Camp Nou ... wow ... what a deception!

Santiago Barnabéu is much more beautiful!!!

Santiago Barnabéu

Camp Nou

Maybe it's beautiful inside, but as a Madridista didn't feel like going inside. To look from the outside was enough!

And it felt good when I've made a joke in front of Camp Nou, showing a Hala Madrid board that I've made there quick:

Ok, but the village I was, Pineda de Mar ... I was walking around, back from some shopping, which I bought this:

... and as usual I was a little bit lost ... but ... I found by accident a Real Madrid fan club, and of course I went inside and took a few pictures.

Here they are:

Now I'm back in the Netherlands ... and I'm waiting for La Liga to start! Real Madrid will play their first game on 19 August against Valencia!

Let's cheer for Madrid!

HALA MADRID

Just back from vacation!

2012-08-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid legend Guti 'to retire'

2012-07-13T01:39:00.000-07:00

Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti is to announce his retirement, according to reports in Spain.

2010 La Liga Real Madrid midfielder Guti, as he explain why he is leaving the club after 25 years service

The 35-year-old, who last played for Turkish club Besiktas, has been without a club for the past year.

According to Spanish sports daily AS, Guti has decided to hang up his boots after deciding against a move to London club West Ham United.

Guti came up through the youth ranks of his hometown club and made his Real debut in 1995. He went on to make more than 500 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning five La Liga titles and the Champions League three times.

That number of appearances could potentially have broken the 1,000-match mark, but a career ravaged by injury and uneasy relationships with several managers meant he only played around half of the games Real contested during his long time at the club.

The mercurial playmaker ended his 24-year association with Real in 2010 when he joined Besiktas, but he plans to return to Madrid to complete his coaching qualifications at the club's Valdebebas training complex.

Source: Yahoo Sport

Real Madrid matches of La Liga 2012/2013

2012-07-10T09:53:00.001-07:00

LA LIGA 2012/2013

Here are the matches that Real Madrid will play in the next season:

Is the Brazilian Lucas going to Real Madrid?

2012-06-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

Lucas Moura reveals informal talks with Real Madrid

The 19-year-old Selecao star insists that he is happy at the Morumbi but freely admits that he would relish the opportunity to lineup for Jose Mourinho's side

Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura has revealed that his father and agent recently met with Real Madrid officials to discuss a possible transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos have identified the Brazil international as the ideal midfield foil for Xabi Alonso, and the teenager has now admitted that he would jump at the opportunity to join the Spanish champions.

"They are one of the biggest clubs in the world," Lucas told TV Globo's 'Esporte Espetacular'. "But for now I am thinking only of Sao Paulo.

"My father went to Spain with my agent, who met the top directors, probably even Florentino Perez. There were some talks, but nothing official."

For the time being, Lucas is solely focused on nailing down his place in the Selecao's starting lineup.

"My dream now is the Olympics," he admitted. "But it's not the only one, because the greatest dream would be the World Cup. It's one of my objectives.

"Certainly, the World Cup is far away, but I imagine myself playing in the jersey of the national team and becoming champions in our own country. I cannot stop thinking about it!"

Lucas, who can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide, is just 19 but has already been capped 11 times by Brazil.

Source: goal.com

Benzema doesn't want Higuain to leave

2012-05-25T12:45:00.002-07:00

Benzema: I hope that Higuain stays at Real Madrid

The French striker attested to the quality of his fellow attacking partner, while stating that he is not sure whether Barcelona's cycle has come to an end

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says that he does not want to see teammate Gonzalo Higuain leave the club in the summer.

Higuain has been strongly linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after featuring infrequently for Los Blancos in 2011-12, despite scoring 26 goals in all competitions during the course of the season.

"He is still a player of Madrid, he is a good player and I hope that he will stay with us," Benzema told reporters.

The France international, who claimed that Jose Mourinho is the best coach in the world, then refused to say whether Real Madrid's La Liga triumph has signalled the end of an era for Barcelona.

"Barca are always a great side, but we are not thinking about them, we focus on ourselves," Benzema added.

"I do not know if they are at an end of a cycle, but we will have to keep improving."

Source: goal.com

La Liga Trophy

2012-05-23T01:32:00.000-07:00

Campeones de La Liga!

Hala Madrid!

Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on Season

2012-05-22T23:28:00.002-07:00

Ronaldo: 'I'd give my season a ten'

Cristiano Ronaldo bettered his record-breaking goal tally to score 46 in La Liga this season

Cristiano Ronaldo has appraised his 2011-12 season at Real Madrid as a perfect ten, whilst the performance of his team as a whole is worthy of a mere nine out of ten.

Ronaldo, 27, notched 57 goals this campaign, including 46 in La Liga, bettering his record-breaking tallies of the previous season. He has been tipped by manager Jose Mourinho to win the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or award in December.

Despite his flawless individual campaign, Ronaldo sees room for improvement in his Real Madrid team, despite a La Liga season that saw them reach 100 points, whilst their tally of 121 goals was also a record.

"I would give my season a ten on an individual level and collectively a nine, because we wanted to win more titles - the Champions League for example," Ronaldo told Spanish newspaper AS.

"We've been close this year, but we need to stay calm. The tenth will arrive in the next season or two. We know that everyone is focused on winning the Champions League. You notice it in the street, but we need to stay calm.''

On Mourinho's claim that he is the prime candidate for the Ballon d'Or award, Ronaldo agreed, but added that personal awards did not concern him much with Euro 2012 kicking-off in a couple of weeks.

"I'm not the one who judges who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, but I think I've had a fantastic season. I've won the most difficult league in the world," Ronaldo added

"I agree with what Mourinho said, but what I want now is to have a great European Championships, because that could also help me in the Ballon d'Or, although honestly it's not a matter that concerns me much. I'm happy with the season that I've had, but I'm already only thinking of helping my country now.''

Source: ESPN