soccer magazine

Atletico Madrid and Monaco Jump Into Mohamed Salah Race

2015-01-22T04:42:00.006-08:00

Atletico Madrid and Monaco Jump Into Mohamed Salah Race

Roma are trying to quickly close out a deal with Chelsea for the transfer of Mohamed Salah as Monaco and Atletico Madrid enter the race to further complicate the saga.

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini met Chelsea officials last night to discuss terms of a deal that will see the Egyptian winger move to the Stadio Olimpico this month.

It has been claimed that Salah has already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi and is just waiting for the club to reach an agreement with the Blues.

Chelsea have already rejected an initial offer from Roma for Salah, but the Italian giants are confident that they will eventually reach an agreement with the Premier League leaders.

However, according to Sky Italia, to complicate matters further for Roma, Monaco and Atletico Madrid are also taking a keen interest in Salah and are ready to have their say in the negotiations for the winger.

Besiktas are ready to sign Salah on a permanent deal this month, but the winger has communicated to Chelsea about his desire to join Roma.

Roma Turn Screw On Chelsea By Demanding Mohamed Salah Agreement Within 48 Hours

2015-01-22T04:40:00.001-08:00

Roma Turn Screw On Chelsea By Demanding Mohamed Salah Agreement Within 48 Hours

Roma want to conclude a deal for Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah within the next 48 hours or will turn their attention towards FC Dnipro’s Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Roma and Chelsea have been locked in furious negotiations over the last few days for Salah and the Blues have already rejected a bid from the Giallorossi.

The Italian club's sporting director Walter Sabatini met Chelsea officials last night to hold a fresh round of talks and is hoping to finally reach an agreement.

Roma know that Salah is also attracting interest from Besiktas, Atletico Madrid and Monaco and though the player has agreed personal terms with the Italians, according to Il Messaggero, they want a deal to be agreed in the next 48 hours.

The Giallorossi are in a hurry to conclude negotiations over Salah and are ready to look somewhere else if Chelsea continue to play hardball over the winger.

Roma are turning their attention towards Konoplyanka, whose contract with Dnipro expires in the summer, but the Italian giants feel a deal for the Ukrainian will only happen next summer.

Konoplyanka has also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United in the past and is believed to be keen on leaving Dnipro

Though they are still confident of reaching an agreement with Chelsea over Salah, Roma are looking at other viable options in the transfer market.

Mason signs new Tottenham deal

2015-01-22T04:32:00.003-08:00

Mason signs new Tottenham deal

Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has signed a new contract which will tie him to the club until 2020.

The 23-year-old has made the breakthrough into the first team at Spurs under manager Mauricio Pochettino this season.

Mason signed for Tottenham as a trainee in 2008 and has spent time on loan at Yeovil, Doncaster, Millwall, Leyton Orient and Swindon.

A statement from Tottenham read: "The club is delighted to announce that Ryan Mason has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract which runs until 2020.

"Our home-grown midfielder netted his first senior goal for us in the League Cup against Nottingham Forest in September last year and hasn't looked back since.

"No less than three days later he was making his Premier League debut at Arsenal and has gone on to establish himself as an important member of our First Team, making 18 appearances so far this season.

"Ryan has also gained extensive experience during loan spells in the Football League previously with Swindon Town, Millwall, Doncaster and Yeovil, clocking up a total of 103 senior appearances in his career to date."

Mason added: “The length of the contract shows a lot of faith in me. Hopefully I can keep progressing.

"I'm buzzing about it. I'm delighted and I can't wait to crack on now."

De Boer said 'no' to Liverpool

2015-01-22T04:30:00.005-08:00

De Boer said 'no' to Liverpool

Ajax manager Frank de Boer says he was flattered to be considered for the Liverpool job two years ago.

De Boer has also revealed he was in the running for the Tottenham job this summer and would consider a move to England in the future.

"Two years ago, I was very honoured that Liverpool asked me if I was interested in the job," De Boer told Sky Sports’ David Tanner.

"There was still was other candidates also. But I just signed a new contract and I said you are too early at this moment.

"Tottenham, last year, I was one of the candidates and in the end they chose Pochettino and all respect to the choice. There were two clubs that I was quite interested in.

"I would like to manage in England but also Germany and the Spanish league because they are the three best leagues in the world, so I would like to get that experience."

Travner makes Reading move

2015-01-22T04:28:00.002-08:00

Travner makes Reading move

The 29-year-old has been training with the club for a few weeks and has now penned a contract until the end of the season.

The deal was finalised in December - just prior to Steve Clarke's arrival as manager - but it has taken until now for international clearance to be received after Travner left his previous club Baku in Azerbaijan.

Travner has also played for NK Celje, St Mirren and Ludogorets.

Clarke told the club website: "Jure is an experienced player who has shown enough in training to suggest that he can help the squad between now and the end of the season.

"Due to contractual difficulties at his previous club he didn't play as often as he would have liked and, after a protracted transfer, he now has a chance to show us if he can earn an extended deal here at Reading FC.

Jose : Gerrard was dream target

2015-01-22T04:26:00.002-08:00

Jose : Gerrard was dream target

Jose Mourinho says failure to sign Steven Gerrard for Chelsea in 2005 is one of his greatest transfer disappointments.

Mourinho was close to taking Gerrard to Stamford Bridge during his first spell in charge but the former England captain chose to stay at Anfield.

The 34-year-old will leave Liverpool this summer, when he ends a 17-year career in red by joining Los Angeles Galaxy, and ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Anfield in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final, Mourinho spoke of how he wanted Gerrard as part of a ‘dream’ midfield at the Blues.

"He (Gerrard) is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected," Mourinho said.

"We did everything to try (to sign him) and it was almost there. I was dreaming of (Claude) Makelele, Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard in midfield.

"We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr Abramovich and (former Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that.

"His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never.

"He (Gerrard) was always a red and I think the decision was right."

Biggest disappointment

Asked if Gerrrard's decision to stay at Liverpool was his biggest disappointment in the transfer market, Mourinho said: "Yes, but I have another one when I was trying Lampard to Inter.

"I was almost there and it didn't happen too. I had a couple of disappointments and that's normal in football."

Gerrard's slip against Chelsea at Anfield last season proved decisive in the title race as it led to Demba Ba’s goal in a 2-0 win for Mourinho's men which paved the way for Manchester City to seize the initiative in the title race.

The error has since become the subject of a song regularly belted out at Stamford Bridge but Mourinho says he wishes the Chelsea fans would not sing it as it shows a clear lack of respect to one of the finest players in Premier League history.

"The song that my fans have I don't like at all," Mourinho said.

"A couple of times it is good fun but to go and go and go, especially with a player like him who deserves respect, I don't think you don't need that.

"We have so many other songs, you don't need that one. I love this quote when he was saying in his life he would never score a goal against Liverpool. I love these words.

"I understand why he was - almost, almost, almost - coming to Chelsea. But he didn't and I respect that a lot."

Villa handed FA fine

2015-01-22T04:22:00.004-08:00

Villa handed FA fine

The FA has fined Aston Villa £60,000 and warned them as to their future conduct in the wake of an incident in their game against Leicester on January 10 2015.

Villa admitted failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from proactive behaviour following an incident which occurred during added time at the end of the their 1-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium.

Barca defend disappointing Suarez

2015-01-22T04:16:00.004-08:00

Barca defend disappointing Suarez

Barcelona have defended club-record signing Luis Suarez after the former Liverpool man endured another disappointing night in front of goal against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Suarez, who cost the Catalan club £75m when he moved from Merseyside last summer, has managed only five goals in 16 outings with Barca and has failed to reproduce the stunning goalscoring form of his final two seasons at Anfield.

The Uruguayan laboured against Atletico during his side’s 1-0 Copa del Rey win on Wednesday and wasted a fantastic opportunity in the first half when he fired over the bar after being played in by Ivan Rakitic.

However, Suarez still retains the support of figures at the club, with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu and coach Luis Enrique confident the goals will start to arrive on a more regular basis for the 27-year-old.

Bartomeu said: "We have very high expectations, he is a great player. He has the support and the affection of the people."

Meanwhile, Enrique added: "Perhaps he didn’t have the fortune to score today but he fixed himself to the centre-backs very well, he gave us solutions, he was a danger near the area. The goals will come, there are no doubts with him."

Real announce Odegaard deal

2015-01-22T04:12:00.000-08:00

Real announce Odegaard deal

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Norwegian teenager Martin Odegaard, subject to a medical.

A deal has been struck with Stromsgodset for the 16-year-old midfielder, who has already been capped at international level and was linked with several other top European clubs.

Odegaard watched Real in Copa del Rey action earlier this month and will have his medical in Madrid on Thursday.

All being well, he will face the media at 12.30pm (UK time) alongside the club's sporting director Emilio Butrugueno.

United second to Real in rich list

2015-01-22T04:08:00.004-08:00

United second to Real in rich list

Manchester United may have had their worst season for two decades last year but they have reclaimed second spot in the list of the world's richest football clubs..

Only European champions Real Madrid stand ahead in terms of income, while Barcelona by contrast are struggling to keep pace financially with their Spanish rivals, United and Bayern Munich.

The Football Money League compiled by Deloitte sees Real established at the top of the tree for the 10th year in succession, with revenues of £459m, while United are on £433m, Bayern £407m and Barcelona £405m.

Manchester City remain in sixth position behind Paris Saint-Germain, with Chelsea and Arsenal sustaining their seventh and eighth places and Liverpool up to ninth.

Wenger: Paulista talks ongoing

2015-01-22T04:06:00.002-08:00

Wenger: Paulista talks ongoing

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal are holding talks with Villarreal over the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista.

The 24-year-old centre-half has a £15m release clause in his contract with the Spanish club.

Wenger refused to confirm if Arsenal are willing to meet that in January, but concedes he is keen to secure the Brazilian.

“The talks are progressing quite well. I don’t think there is need to say much more,” he said. "We are talking at the moment, whether we can find an agreement or not, I don’t know.

“We are slowly progressing, but there is a chance. At the moment we are talking. The 20 million is euros, it’s £15m to transform the amount

“We are ready to pay the price we think right for a good player, no matter what the price is. If we think it’s the right price we will pay.

Arsenal have already signed midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw, although the teenager is not expected to be rushed into the first team.

Wenger said: “He’s just come from Poland, he’s just turned 17, he’s not fit because they had the winter break in Poland. That is quite long, so he’s at the start of getting back to full fitness, he’s not ready for three weeks.”

Although Bielik can play in a defensive role, Wenger insists he will play as a holding midfielder.

”Defensive midfield, without any question,” he replied, when asked on his plans to utilise the Pole.

Atletico Madrid keep heat on La Liga front-runners with win vs. Granada

2015-01-21T03:26:00.004-08:00

Atletico Madrid keep heat on la liga front-runners with win vs Granada

Atletico Madrid climbed back into third place in the Primera Division standings thanks to their 2-0 victory at home to Granada on Sunday.

Mario Mandzukic gave Atleti the lead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, after Abdoul Sissoko fouled Diego Godin in the box, before Raul Garcia headed in the second with less than two minutes remaining to seal the win.

The result means Diego Simeone's men leapfrog Valencia and are now four points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid, who returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory at Getafe on Saturday.

In contrast to Atletico's push for the top, Granada remain rock bottom of the overall standings after the defeat, two points adrift of Almeria in 17th place.

Fernando Torres, who rejoined the club from AC Milan earlier this month, was caught offside twice in the opening minutes as the home side looked to take the attack to struggling Granada.

Granada striker Robert had a good effort blocked by Atleti defender Jose Gimenez in the 26th minute before midfielder Manuel Iturra forced the first real save of the match from Atletico goalkeeper Miguel Moya shortly after.

It was the home side, though, who took the lead when Mandzukic converted from the penalty spot.

Sissoko brought down Godin and Croatia international Mandzukic fired into the top right of goal to give Los Rojiblancos the lead.

Arda Turan had a good chance to put Atleti further ahead four minutes later but his drilled strike was kept out by Granada defender Jean Babin.

Atletico went in at the break 1-0 up and they had the better of the chances in the second half too, with Mandzukic heading over from 12 yards shortly after the hour mark.

Antoine Griezmann forced a fantastic save from Granada keeper Olazabal Oier in the 70th minute and Koke put a chance over the bar from 18 yards out five minutes later.

Another goal appeared to be coming for the home side, and it was substitute Garcia who found the net in the 88th minute from close range, less than five minutes after he came on from the bench.

There was no time for Granada to alter the result and they extended their winless run of games in the Primera Division to 15.

Pochettino rules out Soldado sale despite Tottenham exit rumor

2015-01-21T03:23:00.002-08:00

Pochettino rules out Soldado sale despite Tottenham exit rumor

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino insists that striker Roberto Soldado is not for sale after talk of a January exit to Bayer Leverkusen or Real Sociedad.

Soldado has scored only once in the Premier League this season but has netted twice in Tottenham's Capital One Cup campaign.

Reports on Tuesday morning suggested that Soldado could be sold but Pochettino insists that he wants to keep his squad intact.

"I am happy with him," he said. "I am the same as before. All players are in my plans and (there is not) any news.

"I expect all players to be here because we have ahead a lot of games.

"We are still in four competitions and I think that we need a strong squad to take on all games that we have in the future."

Pushed to confirm Soldado was not for sale, Pochettino retorted: "Any player is (not) for sale. Any player.

Cristiano Ronaldo: rivalry between Messi inspires both player

2015-01-21T03:20:00.002-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo: rivalry between Messi inspires both player

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo believes that he and Lionel Messi are motivated by the long-standing rivalry they have shared.

The 29-year-old Real Madrid star or his Barcelona foe have won every Ballon d'Or since 2008, with the Portugal international claiming his third last week to close in on the Argentine's tally of four.

"I'm sure that the competition between us is a motivating factor for him too," he is quoted as saying by AS. "It's good for me, for him and for other players who are keen to grow. Messi has four Ballon d'Or awards, I have three. This is all good for the world of football."

Ronaldo went on to say that he is currently working on improving his set pieces, having been less successful from dead ball situations of late.

"I'm currently trying to improve my left foot, my acceleration and my direct free kicks," Ronaldo said. "I've not had a great deal of success recently with them. I know that it will come back. It's just a question of having enough humility to know that without training hard, things won't progress.

"Working on my game is my guide. If I'm able to play more than 60 games per season, it's because I look after myself. I sleep well, I eat well. In these ways I look for perfection too. If not, one can't keep this rhythm of playing

Barcelona president: Luis Enrique will have 'long career' at Camp Nou

2015-01-21T03:14:00.003-08:00

Barcelona president: Luis Enrique will have 'long career' at Camp Nou

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has launched a staunch defense of Luis Enrique, saying the current coach will have a "long career" at Camp Nou.

Luis Enrique's future at the club has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with speculation he was set to be fired after a reported feud with Lionel Messi came to a head when the Argentine was left out of the team for the defeat to Real Sociedad on Jan. 4.

Both the coach and Messi have since denied rumors of tension in the camp and four convincing victories in a row â along with Bartomeu's decision to call for early elections â have provided temporary respite at the club.

Bartomeu says the club was always comfortable with Luis Enrique's managerial approach and is expecting him to have a lengthy reign in charge.

He told Barca TV: "Luis Enrique is the ideal coach. He will have a long career at Barca. We hired the coach with the aim that he would make things right. He is integrating the players well and with Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, we possibly have the best attack in the world. They are the envy of other clubs.

"We know Luis Enrique very well and we know how demanding he always is. He and Messi denied everything that was said. The idea of our play still remains the same."

Bartomeu reiterated there was no prospect of the club considering selling Messi, a man he thinks should always win the Ballon d'Or despite Cristiano Ronaldo's second straight triumph this month.

"Messi is perfect in every way," the president said. "They would have to give him all of the Ballons d'Or for how he is and how he plays football. He is the world's No. 1, although the awards were handed to others. He has a huge desire to win it all this year. I was with him and he is happy. He is having a magnificent season. He is our leader and acts as such. We have Messi for many years and I see no option to sell the player, nor any of his teammates."

Barcelona faces Atletico Madrid in the first leg of a Copa del Rey quarterfinal series Wednesday at Camp Nou

Atletico Madrid: China's Wang Jianlin buys 20% stake

2015-01-21T02:48:00.002-08:00

Atletico Madrid: China's Wang Jianlin buys 20% stake

Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin is buying a 20% stake in Spanish football club Atletico Madrid for €45m ($52m; £34m) as he looks to diversify his business empire further.

He heads China's biggest property company Dalian Wanda, which has been buying up big foreign brands amid a weak domestic real estate market.

This includes US cinema chain AMC and luxury British yachtmaker Sunseeker.

It will be the first Chinese company to invest in a top European football club.

"This investment will not only provide a golden opportunity for young Chinese players sent overseas by Wanda to be selected by leading European football clubs," Mr Wang said in a statement.

"It will also strengthen the quality of Chinese football and narrow the gap between the rest of the world."

Saido Berahino: West Brom striker not for sale, says chairman

2015-01-21T02:39:00.001-08:00

Saido Berahino: West Brom striker not for sale, says chairman

West Brom and England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino is not for sale, chairman Jeremy Peace has reiterated.

The 21-year-old, who has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances this season, has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham.

In December, West Brom dismissed reports of a £23m move to the Reds for Berahino as an "entire fabrication".

"I said in the autumn that the club had no interest in selling Saido and that remains the case," Peace said.

"If manager Tony Pulis decides otherwise, Berahino is too important to us to consider trading."

Berahino recently pleaded guilty to drink-driving charges and wasbanned from driving for a year and fined £3,400.

The club chairman, in reaction, added: "I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify the position and the club's thinking to our supporters now that Saido can put this unhappy chapter behind him."

Everton: Kevin Mirallas substituted over injury not penalty miss

2015-01-21T02:37:00.001-08:00

Everton: Kevin Mirallas substituted over injury not penalty miss

Kevin Mirallas was substituted at half-time inEverton's 0-0 draw with West Brom because of injury rather than his penalty miss, Roberto Martinez says.

Left-back Leighton Baines is Everton's regular penalty-taker, but ceded spot-kick duties to Mirallas and the Belgium winger struck the outside of the post.

"Kevin felt his hamstring was getting sensitive. It was a precaution," the Everton boss told BBC Radio 5 live.

"They are not related. The talking point is because we missed it."

Martinez says Baines did not have a problem with Mirallas, who converted from the spot inEverton's penalty shootout defeat by West Ham in the FA Cup last week, taking the kick instead of him.

"Normally Leighton takes the penalties but we have a few players in the squad capable of taking them," Martinez added.

"Leighton was quite happy to let him take it because he felt confident and right in that moment.

"There is no big issue in that. It became an issue because he couldn't find the back of the net."

However England assistant manager Gary Neville, covering the game for Sky Sports, disagreed.

"What he's done there at 0-0, taking it off the major penalty taker, which is what it looks like has happened, is a despicable breach of team spirit," Neville said.

"To go against team orders, you do not do that."

Meanwhile, Gary Brabin has left his role as manager of Conference side Southport to join Everton's coaching staff.

The 44-year-old began a second spell in charge of the Sandgrounders in October 2014 and guided them to the third round of the FA Cup this season, where they were beaten 1-0 by Derby County.

Chelsea Allow Mohamed Salah To Take Decision On Future

2015-01-20T04:50:00.001-08:00

Chelsea Allow Mohamed Salah To Take Decision On Future

The Blues were reluctant to agree a loan deal for Salah and were looking to sell the winger this month for a transfer fee of around €16m.

But according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, the club are now ready to loan him, as they were failing to attract suitors who would agree to a permanent deal this month.

Roma are not the only club vying for Salah’s signature in the winter transfer window, as Hamburg, Besiktas and another unnamed Premier League team are also in the race.

However, Chelsea have left Salah to make the decision on his future club and the player is expected to communicate his wish after consulting with his family.

Chelsea preparing themselves for Mohamed Salah departure with £26.8m Juan Cuadrado move

2015-01-20T04:46:00.001-08:00

Chelsea preparing themselves for Mohamed Salah departure with £26.8m Juan Cuadrado move

CHELSEA could make a move for Manchester United target Juan Cuadrado as they line up a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Fiorentina winger Cuadrado was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer after impressing for Colombia at the World Cup.

The 26-year-old took himself off the market in October after putting pen to paper on a new lucrative five-year deal.

Manchester City have also been keeping a tab on the player, who has a £26.8m buyout clause.

Reports suggest Jose Mourinho is an admirer of Cuadrado and has already made a tentative enquiry for his services.

It is also thought that Roma are growing increasingly confident of sealing a loan deal for Salah with a view to buying him permanently for £12m.

With Schurrle also tipped to leave Stamford Bridge during this window, it remains to be seen whether Mourinho will try to drive down Cuadrado's asking price

Negredo's header helps Valencia defeat Almeria in La Liga thriller

2015-01-20T04:40:00.001-08:00

Negredo's header helps Valencia defeat Almeria in La Liga thriller

Spain striker Alvaro Negredo came off the bench to head in the decisive goal as Valencia beat his old club Almeria 3-2.

Valencia had seen first-half goals by Dani Parejo and Rodrigo Moreno cancelled out by two strikes from Almeria's top scorer Tomer Hemed and looked to be heading for a third successive game without a win -- until Negredo sent a header crashing into the net with seven minutes left. Winning this game in such dramatic fashion will be a shot in the arm to Nuno Espirito Santo's side after exiting the Copa del Rey to Espanyol in midweek, and they remain well in the race for a Champions League spot after picking up the three points.

Valencia had taken a first-half lead in six of their previous games at Mestalla and wasted no time in going in front here. Eleven minutes were on the clock when Parejo charged towards the area and played the ball wide to Antonio Barragan before racing raced into the box to steer his team-mate's cross in at the near post.

The difference between this game and the majority of matches at Mestalla this year is that instead of building on their lead, Valencia were pegged back by their opponents and found themselves level two minutes later. Arsenal loanee Wellington Silva was allowed to skip down the left wing and cross for Hemed, who moved unmarked across the six-yard box to poke home at the near post.

Valencia re-took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark. Andre Gomes released Paco Alcacer with a low ball into the box and the forward, perhaps meaning to shoot, squared the ball to Rodrigo, who slotted into an empty net. But just as before, Almeria hit back five minutes later. Famed heading expert Hemed rose to meet Verza's cross but got a touch of fortune as the ball deflected off the head of Gomes to wrong foot Diego Alves and land in the top corner.

The Israeli forward then came close to grabbing a hat-trick, heading another corner from Verza off the bar. Valencia were far more dominant in the second half and began peppering the visiting goal straight from the re-start.

In the first minute of the second period Gomes saw a shot from the edge of the area saved by Julian Cuesta, and then the midfielder headed just wide. Desperate for the three points, Nuno threw on Negredo with half an hour remaining, and the forward was quickly involved, testing Cuesta twice in the space of a few minutes and then driving a shot just wide of goal.

But the 29-year-old -- who was a big hit during a two-year spell at Almeria earlier in his career - was eventually rewarded for his efforts. Jose Luis Gaya used his pace to beat a defender on the left hand side and sent in a hanging cross to the back post, which Negredo powered into the net with his head.

Ronaldo, Bale ignore critics to inspire Real Madrid rout of Getafe

2015-01-20T04:37:00.001-08:00

Ronaldo, Bale ignore critics to inspire Real Madrid rout of Getafe

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice either side of a Gareth Bale strike asReal Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Getafe in La Liga on Sunday.

The Champions League winners were dumped out of the Copa del Rey following a 2-2 draw (4-2 on agg) defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night, but bounced back immediately in La Liga on Sunday.

Getafe belied form which saw them enter the game without a win in eight league games, although Toni Kroos' half-volley rattled the crossbar just before the break to signal Real's intent.

Needing a win to guarantee top spot with Barcelona playing later in the day, Real eventually found their feet in the second half, with Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo tapping home after good work from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.

The Colombian also set-up the second, nodded home by Bale, before Ronaldo benefitted from another James assist, taking his tally for the season to 36.

Looking to put their Copa exit behind them, Madrid were quick out the blocks with Benzema and Marcelo going close in the opening stages.

Getafe gave them few troubles, but the visitors also struggled to find a breakthrough, despite their dominance of possession.

Benzema got behind the defence to square for Marcelo from the byline, but the Brazilian's effort was well blocked by Emiliano Velazquez.

The lively French striker saw an angled shot denied by the legs of goalkeeper Jordi Codina, who also had to be alert to tip Isco's speculative 30-yard strike over the bar nine minutes before the break.

Marotta: Ancelotti not honest regarding Real's interest on Pogba

2015-01-20T04:33:00.002-08:00

Marotta: Ancelotti not honest regarding Real's interest on Pogba

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has accused Carlo Ancelotti of telling a "white lie" and claims Real Madrid are interested in Paul Pogba.

The Juve star has been heavily linked with a move away from Serie A in recent months with Madrid one of the few clubs who could put together a financial package big enough to tempt him from Turin. Ancelotti, though, has ruled out the possibility of his side making a move for the highly-ratedFrance international, insisting they have no interest in bringing him to the Spanish capital.

"I think Pogba is a great player," he told Sky Italia. "He can play in any team in the world, but not for Real Madrid because he is not a player who interests us."

However, Marotta insists the Madrid boss is telling a "white lie," claiming Ancelotti has already approached Juve to ask about the former Manchester United midfielder.

"Ancelotti asked me some questions about Pogba," he said to Sky Italia. "He says he's not interested? Well, that's a white lie. I'm sure he has his reasons to say it's not true."

Marotta stressed Juventus will do all they can to ensure the player stays at Juve for as long as possible, but is realistic over the potential salary the midfielder could command elsewhere.

"We will do everything within out limits to hold on to Pogba, but we must not forget Italy is a country in transition," Marotta added. "The problem we have is that of offers coming in from other clubs offering him a salary that we are not able to match due to our financial situation. At the moment, there's no reason to believe that Pogba will definitely leave Juventus for another team, but we have to bear in mind that we cannot compete with the wages that are being paid elsewhere. We have our limits."

Figo adamant Messi, Ronaldo would not have been best in his time

2015-01-20T04:29:00.002-08:00

Figo adamant Messi, Ronaldo would not have been best in his time

is Figo believes Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and hisBarcelona nemesis Lionel Messi would not have been the best players around during his time as a footballer.

The former Portugal international feels the Fifa Ballon d'Or holder and the Argentine forward are head and shoulders above everybody else at the moment, but has questioned whether this would also have been the case had they been playing in the 1990s and 2000s.

"If I were a manager I would try to sign Messi or Cristiano, two great players who are head and shoulders above the rest," Figo was quoted as saying by AS.

"But I was fortunate enough to play with some fantastic players - both in my teams and as opposition - who were quite possibly even better than Cristiano and Messi."

The former Madrid winger then went on to discuss this year's Champions League favorites and made it clear that he does not expect any surprises.

"The Champions League? This will be the year of either Real Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Chelsea..."

Figo also had his say on the Liga title race and he has little doubt either Barcelona or Madrid will emerge victorious again this term after Atletico Madrid's success last season.

"La Liga? There is certainly a clear domination by the two traditionally strong teams, Barca and Real Madrid."

Arsenal interested in Paulista

2015-01-20T04:23:00.002-08:00

Arsenal interested in Paulista

Arsenal are interested in signing the Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista – but the Spaniards will only sell in this transfer window if a club meets his buy-out clause of around £15m, according to Sky sources.

Other sources say no deal between the two clubs is imminent.

The player has claimed his agent has been talking with the Gunners, but said: “Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won’t lose my head. I’m very calm.

"My head is at Villarreal and I’m very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said last weekend that signing a defender is his priority this month.

The Brazilian, 24, started his career in his homeland with Vitoria, before moving to Villarreal in August 2013, signing a five-year contract