2.12.2011

Interview: Mesut Özil

Mesut Ozil has done nothing short of dazzle Madridistas since joining the club over the summer. The German international has kept his eyes on the prize all season and wants nothing to come between him and success at Real Madrid. In order for that to happen, he takes each match as it comes, the next being against Espanyol on Sunday.

Özil playing for Real Madrid
Mesut Özil

Real Madrid face Espanyol this weekend in Barcelona. What do you expect from the game?
It's definitely going to be very difficult. Every team that plays Real Madrid tries their very hardest to beat us. They put in an extra effort but we need to just stick to our game and try to score goals. I'm certain that if we do that we can win the game.

Espanyol are difficult to play at their home ground.They're sitting sixth in the table and obviously not having problems scoring goals. How are you going to approach the game?
Our main goal is to pick up three points despite the fact that they're a tough side. We have plenty of great players in the squad so if we stick to what we know best then we can win the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo is top scorer and you appear to have a great relationship with him on and off the pitch. Can you explain that understanding that you have? Is it instinct?
It's very clear to everybody that we have a great relationship. He has been very good to me and has helped me a lot since I arrived in Madrid - he's a fantastic person! Cristiano Ronaldo is a very important member of the team, he has scored plenty of goals and puts all his energy into the team winning games. I'm absolutely delighted that I play alongside him.

You and Sami Khedira also have a great friendship. You're obviously both German. Has he helped you settle in quicker in Madrid?
It definitely made the transition a lot easier because he was already here when I arrived in Madrid. We already knew each other from our time on the Germany national team and he's been a great support. We spend a lot of time together and I feel very lucky to have him here.

You've made 12 assists and scored nine goals this season. You appear to enjoy being an assists man. Is that something you agree with?
I would say I really enjoy scoring goals and also making assists. They're both equally satisfying for me and I'm always over the moon when I can help a teammate find the back of the net.

We saw you kiss the club crest several weeks ago. What does Real Madrid mean for you? That was a very important moment for Madridistas.
I play for Real Madrid and I feel very connected to this club. I am a part of this team and I wanted to express my happiness at being here. I didn't plan it, it just happened.

Adebayor or Benzema: Mourinho decides

Real Madrid has 11 days and three crucial matches ahead: Espanyol (tomorrow), Levante (Saturday 19) and Lyon (Tuesday, 22 February). Mourinho who studies everything in detail, has a dilemma for the first: Adebayor or Benzema. The Portuguese explained the unexpected presence of Adebayor in the starting team in the last league match against Real Sociedad, for reasons of timing: "Karim played in Cup and Wednesday had a pressure game against Brazil where he played 90 minutes. We decided by Adebayor and he demonstrated why is here. We are happy with both. It's the perfect situation".

Adebayor substitutes Benzema during Real Madrid match
Adebayor and Benzema

Real Madrid coach now appreciates the consequences of fielding one or the other. The Frenchman has played a great match for his national team (88 minutes, goal) and Adebayor made very good feeling in front of the Real Sociedad (goal) . In addition, Emmanuel is in better condition because he takes training with the group in Valdebebas since last Wednesday, unlike Benzema who arrived on Thursday and only made recovery training. When everyone thinks that 6 has unseated Karim, Mourinho ponders a surprise again with Benzema. The Portuguese want to get him back to the war at a key moment of the season.

Mou is happy with his new 9, but thinks that if Benzema feels like alternate, he will be unmotivated. Zidane's report after the France-Brazil, adviser of the Portuguese in the locker room, has been very good and has to reflect on Mourinho. It keeps the dilemma and he does not displease Karim option.

On the other hand, when in England all spoke of the interest from Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Karim Benzema, yesterday a new club appeared; Tottenham, ready to get into the bidding for the French striker. Many British media said it yesterday. The Spurs, who have money, wanted to sign a striker this winter. They bid for Aguero, Llorente, Negredo and Rossi. None of them came and now the target is Benzema. Tottenham needs a striker and the London club's interest in Benzema is long. They have to wait until summer.

Spanish Cup Final: Mestalla Stadium

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed yesterday that the stadium for the final of the 'Copa del Rey' on 20 April, will be Mestalla. Unanimous decision. A meeting was held yesterday between the two finalists and the Federation. The two clubs have requested 20,000 tickets for each (in 2009 Barcelona and Bilbao had 18,500) and will be answered in the coming days. "Demand is going to be huge and we have asked that effort to the Federation. They have said that they will look kindly" said Butragueño at the end of the meeting. Mestalla has a capacity of 55,000 spectators so 15,000 tickets will remain for Spanish Federation commitments.

View from top seats of Mestalla Stadium
Mestalla Stadium

In addition, Real Madrid and Barcelona have asked that the final schedule was changed. It was scheduled to be played between 9:30 and 10 pm, but the clubs have asked to be between 8:30 and 8:45 hours. Now the Federation and Spanish Television (TVE) will have to reach an agreement.

Madrid and Barcelona want to draw their tickets and will make it as soon as the Federation confirms the number of seats available. In Madrid, more than 100,000 petitions, tickets will be drawn between club members who request it. Real can remain with a quota for commitment of the club (players, veterans, foundation, sponsors ...). Real Madrid will make public how it will be the ticket distribution.

2.11.2011

Mourinho wants 'Chicharito'?

Jose Mourinho is readying an audacious bid for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez this summer. The Real Madrid boss is looking for new attacking options and also has an eye for youth as he looks to build the solid foundations of a hoped era of success and has earmarked a move for the young Mexican international.

Javier Hernandez kisses the Man U shield
Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez

The pint sized 22 year old striker has proved an instant success at Old Trafford, surpassing even Ferguson’s wildest expectations, netting 11 goals in 12 starts and a plethora of cameo roles from the bench. However the former Guadalajara is very much a bit part player at the club at present and that may give Mourinho hope of persuading Chicharito to leave the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson will fight off interest in Hernandez but is still very much keeping faith with regular strike pairing of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov but the youngster is third in line in the pecking order with Michael Owen further back in the queue.

Real Madrid have found themselves short of options up front following the long term injury to first choice striker Gonzalo Higuain. The Spanish giants then had to turn to Karim Benzema and the misfiring Frenchman struggled to come up with the goods in goalscoring terms which led to the loan signing of Emmanuel Adebayor from Man City.

Mourinho is rumoured to be considering a move to make Adebayor a permanent fixture at Real Madrid but he has his eyes firmly set on a move for Javier Hernandez and is reportedly ready to make an offer in the region of 23 million euros for the Manchester United man.

Cristiano : "I've never seen a club as great as Real Madrid"

Cristiano Ronaldo talked shop and about his beginnings as a player on Spanish radio program

Cristiano during an interview in Cadena SER
Cristiano Ronaldo

"I've never seen a club as great as Real Madrid. It is impressive on all levels: in its greatness, in its fanbase, in its history... The reaction we get is incredible wherever we go."

"I'm used to dealing with unpleasant situations. I sometimes get bothered by things I hear or that people say to me, but they're part of my life. I'm still fighting. I only listen when they say 'This Portuguese player is very good.' I don't need people to annoy me in order to play well. I always try to give my best when I'm on the pitch and I try to help my team win with goals, passes, etc. I always try to be the best."

"Look at my legs and see how bruised they are. But that's normal. I'm used to being challenged. I try not to answer back. I get up and continue playing. I was kicked around the same way when I was a kid, and I got up and carried on because they were all bigger than me."

"In order to be successful you have to believe and feel you can become a footballer. If you work hard I'm sure you can achieve what you want. Everyone has one chance in their lives and they have to make good use of it. I started out when I was very young. I left my home when I was 12 years old and went to Lisbon from Madeira. It was difficult. I cried every day because it was the most complicated time in my life, but I had faith in myself and I wanted to achieve important things. I am grateful to my family for letting me go: if they hadn't I wouldn't be who I am today."

"I don't feel tired. I feel very well. I've felt even better in the last stretch of the championship. I think this is obvious on the pitch."

"We will win the Copa del Rey final and I will try to score."

"I was a good student, but starting out so young made it difficult to play and study at the same time. I like marketing and I wouldn't have minded becoming a PE teacher. I don't think about what I'll do when my career is over because I can still play at the highest level for seven or eight years."

"I'm not a football geek. I like to practice other sports, such as basketball and table tennis. I also like to study English so I don't forget how to speak it. I'm always curious and like to learn things. I consider myself to be a good person. I'm not false or hypocritical. I say things to one's face and I always try to behave correctly. I am very good to those who are good to me."

Legends: Ferenc Puskas

FERENC PUSKAS

Ferenc Puskas portrait
Ferenc Puskas

Ferenc Puskas Biro was born in Budapest on April 2, 1927. His real surname was Purczfeld, German origin, but he changed Puskas (gun in Hungarian) after the Second World War.

Son of a famous soccer player of Northern Hungary, started playing soccer when he was a ball boy in the field of Kispest club in Budapest. At ten he was playing at that club, and at 16 made his debut in the Hungarian First Division, commanded by a coach known to him: his father. His left leg combined strength and precision and had unlimited resources. He played in this club from 1943 to 1949 when it was renamed Honved, the Hungarian Army team, and Puskas remained in it until 1956, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.

His career at this time was brilliant, especially in the Hungary selection. With the national team got the Olympic championship in Helsinki in 1952 and the historic 6-3 victory against England at Wembley (as captain) in December 1953. This national team was that dazzled the world at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, with players like Kocsis, Bozsik, Czibor or Hidegkuti, besides Puskas, getting second place in the world cup (after unexpectedly losing the final against Germany). This team was known as the "Magical Magyars".

His life changed the November 4, 1956, when the USSR invaded Hungary. On the way to Bilbao with his team, Honved, in the city of Vienna, Puskas and other partners as Czibor or Kocsis, deserted because of the invasion, earning a punishment of two years by FIFA. He left behind a balance of 349 league games with 358 goals, more than a goal per game.

Ferenc Puskas lived in several countries in Europe and South America until he was signed by Real Madrid, rejecting offers from several clubs in Italy. Thus, thirty-one years old he became Real Madrid player, completing the group was already legendary; Alfredo Di Stefano, Kopa, Rial, Santamaría, Gento, Dominguez ... It was quite a surprise to the Spanish fans, it was thought that a man like Puskas, at that time about to turn thirty-two years and overweight, had nothing to do at a team like Real Madrid, in full stars. But the time put everything in place and soon won the support and the sympathy of the fans, becoming "Pancho " Puskas.

During his first season in Spain had some adjustment problems resulting from his difficulties with the language and his long inactivity, but in his second year began to show signs of quality. Goals and more goals. A match for the story was when he participated in the fifth win for Real Madrid in the European Cup, this time playing the final at Hampden Park in Glasgow against Eintrach Frankfurt, which was defeated 7-3, with four Puskas' goals.

Puskas shots on goal


In the following five editions of Spanish League, Real Madrid won the titles, being Puskas the "Pichichi" in the seasons 60/61, 62/63 and 63/64, and winning the Spanish Cup in 1962. Later in1966, Real Madrid returned to win the European Cup, but Puskas did not play the final, as he did in his last season in white (1966/67) in which he only played friendlies.

With the fall of communism, in September 1992 he set residence in Hungary and incorporated in technical tasks of his national team. Ferenc Puskas died on November 17, 2006 in Budapest because of pneumonia. A few years before the death of this legendary player, in his honor, the National Stadium in Hungary changed its name to the Ferenc Puskas Stadium.

A legendary figure in world football, is considered one of the best players in history. He was elected by FIFA 'Top scorer' of the twentieth century in 2004 and ranks 6th in the ranking of the Best footballer of the twentieth century, published by IFFHS in 2004.

2.10.2011

Real Madrid is the richest club in football world

Real Madrid tops the list of world's richest clubs. An annual survey of football finances, which makes every year the British company Deloitte, reveals that the white club earned the most revenue until June 30, 2010. Its nearly 440 million euros place Real Madrid as the richest club in the world. Thus, the club repeated number one for the sixth consecutive season.

The second in the list published by Deloitte is Barcelona which grew nearly 10 percent to get almost 400 million euros. Despite that won the Spanish Super-League and League, FC Barcelona had a lower increase than rival, as Real Madrid won a 20 percent growth over the previous season.

The report also listed the 20 richest clubs in Europe, among which are Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Chelsea, Milan, Liverpool, Inter, Juventus, Manchester City, Tottenham, Hamburg, Olympique Lyon, Olympique Marseille, Schalke 04, Atletico Madrid, Rome, Stuttgart and Aston Villa. The sum of all their revenues reached 4,000 million euros.

Of the 20 teams in the old continent to complete the list of Deloitte is one to stand out in terms of growth. Manchester City went from the twentieth to ninth position due to an increase in revenue of more than 40 percent. About 155 million euros has billed the 'Citizen' team.

The Premier League place on the list seven teams, four Italian Serie A, four the Bundesliga, three Spanish league and two French league.

Top 20 richest football clubs
Richest Football Clubs

Real Madrid will recover Parejo

Getafe does not want to lose Dani Parejo. So this week has called Real Madrid to ask white club to leave the player to fulfill the four-year contract that Parejo signed with the blue club (ends in 2013). But the response of Madrid has been negative. The sports management has been honest with Torres (Getafe's president) and told him that Parejo will play for Mourinho next season. The midfielder is included in all plans and is an essential player for next year.

Dani Parejo playing in Getafe jersey
Dani Parejo

It has long been known Madrid's intention to recover Parejo. It is explained because the former Castilla player is the natural choice for Xabi Alonso. Mourinho aims that he provides good play.

The arrival of a midfielder that can replace Xabi Alonso with guarantees is the first requirement of the Portuguese from June. Parejo satisfies Mourinho so the problem has been solved in record time.

Real Madrid will have to exercise the repurchase option included in the transfer of the youth squad. Club must pay five million euros to Getafe, two more than Angel Torres paid in the summer of 2009. A manageable amount. The agreement said that the player could return the first two years, so this summer was the last chance because that clause expires.

Dani Parejo has been instrumental in the two seasons he has been in Getafe. In his first year he played 36 matches and scored 11 goals. Of the 38 league matches he participated in 28. This year also holds good numbers. Of the 22 matches that are being disputed, has played 20 matches and has scored 3 goals, one of them against Real Madrid last January 3. In the Cup, he has played 3 games. Getafe played 4 and was eliminated in 5th round (Betis). In Europe League he played 5 matches and scored 1 goal. They are eliminated from the competition.

2.09.2011

Transfer rumors: Pepe and Bale

Arsenal is willing to pay 30 million euros for Pepe

The Pepe's renewal for the Real Madrid is in dead point and this has made the big European teams were interested in him. Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in the Portuguese central defender. Now Arsenal has joined the bidding. According to British media, Wenger wants him for next season and so he has communicated to Arsenal's board which could reach 30 million euros offer (what Real Madrid paid for him to Porto in 2006). Pepe's contract ends in June 2012 and the white club does not accept his demands (requests 4 million per year and club offers 3.5). He now earns 1.8 million and is one that has the lowest salary in the team.

Pepe training with Real Madrid jersey
Pepe

Bale is placed closer to the Real Madrid

Although Redknapp, Tottenham coach, talked in the London Evening Standard about Gareth Bale: "We can not sell", in England does not see it . In fact, yesterday the British press claimed that the left-defense (21-year, contract ending in 2014) will end up at Real Madrid next season, pegged it at about 40 million euros. Mourinho likes a player to strengthen the left side which has only Marcelo. He wanted to bring him to Inter. "He's young, fast and high quality. Sure he could play for Madrid", said teammate Van der Vaart.

Gareth Bale playing for Tottenham
Gareth Bale

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: VIP tickets over thousand euros

The next Real Madrid-Barcelona league game is raising passions. The most expensive ticket to see the match will cost ... over 1,000 euros! The white club sells a special package that includes the Classic (April 16) and the previous three games at home (Malaga, Hercules and Sporting Gijon). The total cost; 2,200 euros. The most expensive ticket purchased individually for the first three games costs 385 euros. Therefore, discounting the three tickets of the total amount, to see the Classic at VIP area costs; 1,045 euros. The seats are located on the east side first amphitheater, outdoor seating with catering service.

The Classic is not sold individually in a VIP area. You must buy the pack of four games. Other VIP boxes are already sold annually. The stadium has 80,000 seats. There are 67,000 paid members. Then, preference is given to non-paid members. If we add the tickets for the fans-clubs and players and club commitments, for the Classic will not be sold over 1,000 ordinary tickets at the box office.

A VIP box at Real Madrid Stadium
VIP Area. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium


2.08.2011

Jose Mourinho: Sky Italy Interview (2)

With Chelsea you won the Premiership after 50 years; with the Inter won the Champions League. Now, as coach of Madrid you have the obligation to overthrow the Barça and after the 5-0...
"In that game we did not see the ball. It finished 5-0 and if the match takes ten minutes more, they score six or seven. It is not a game to forget; We must remember it, a bit like the first match that Inter played last season against Barcelona. We lost 2-0 in the group stage of the Champions League and they could give us a 4-0. We did not forget. That game was the basis for preparing the semifinal against them. And I will do exactly the same with Real Madrid when we played with Barcelona".

Mourinho at Camp Nou stadium sad after the defeat 5 to 0
Jose Mourinho

That semifinal between Inter and Barca was a tactical masterwork by you.
"If I can choose, as a coach, a game from the point of view of the organization of my team, I will take the Nou Camp match. For many critics it was not a football game, but for me it was. It was almost a game of chess. In the field of Barcelona, playing with ten, we did an epic match, historical, absolutely incredible. At the end of that meeting we knew it was impossible not to win the Champions League, although the final was against Bayern".

In Italy you have left a great memory.
"Someday I will return".

After winning everything in two and a half years at Inter, the third becomes very particular ...
"Yes, when you reach the top, the third is always a special year. But in the Inter did not have that sense of fear for the seriousness of the players, their ambition and pride. I had no problem to continue with that team and win again. Now I read that team is happy with Leonardo, sure they can win again".

What player you have a special relationship with?
"My relationship with the players has always been very good. These are people who gave me all. I have no words. I could talk about Drogba but it would be unfair if I did not also about Lampard, Essien and John Terry. And the same goes for Maicon, Sneijder and Etoo. All my players deserves a golden ball".

What is your relationship with Moratti, Inter president?
"Fantastic. From the first day was very open. I remember we were in Paris, at his home, with his son Mauro and his wife. I told him jokingly: -If one day the president tells me who to play, I will do the suitcase and go directly to Malpensa airport- I said it jokingly, but I think he realized how I was. Moratti is a fantastic person, exceptional, friendly, open, a fan with the desire to win, with ambition and at the same time, honest and clean. All that a coach could want. One of the most exciting things for me was to understand the meaning of the title for the president and his family when we won the Champions League. I think for them was like going back to the past. Moratti is a great friend".

What is the Mourinho's dream?
"I dream of waking up in the morning happy, strong, health, joy. And to get to training, being with the family ... I want to stay in football many years, to keep winning. I will not stay for stay. My idea is to stay on top of European football over the next 10 or 15 years. Then I would have a different experience in America: New York Red Bulls, Los Angeles Galaxy, a house in Manhattan, one in Malibu. I'm on that idea".

Jose Mourinho: Sky Italy Interview (1)

Jose Mourinho confessed to the former Real Madrid player Christian Panucci in an interview in 'Sky Italia', whose first part has already been released. About the relationships with his presidents, said: "The time I worked with Abramovich was fantastic. As with Moratti at Inter or Pinto da Costa in Porto. I have little time in Spain but I hope I can say the same of Florentino. I never had problems and I have been honest. And when you are honest, sometimes you have to tell your president things he does not want to hear. It is the best".

Mourinho and Florentino Perez

He also spoke of his time at Barcelona: "Robson came to training with only ten minutes in advance, he played golf and had an incredible life, full of enjoyment. The football was not pressure for him. I prepared everything and when he asked, I said: -Mister, now do this and this- Van Gaal was the exact opposite. He arrived two hours before the training and planned all the details. The assistants just trained".

"The experience in Barcelona was fantastic. The players taught me; talking to them about their experience I learned a lot. There were Stoichkov, Ronaldo, Figo and Popescu. When I returned to Portugal I felt that I was ready to coach" he added.

The Portuguese told how were the beginnings: "I do not lie if I say I did not want to coach when I was young; I meant to be player. I was with a football under his arm, not a book to study how to train. What I liked was the football, but studied at the same time because it was the only way in my house let me play".

"My father was a player and that made me read the game differently, a bit like my son now. He ask me why I changed to one rather than another. I thought of a different dynamic to a child without football at home. Then I realized that could not be a great player. With my friends I could be a phenomenon, but at the championship I was one more and I was aware that in the field was more coach than player. I organized the team, said who played and who not, how the match lasted ... "

"When my father was coaching, he did not have five observers or collaborators as now. And he sent me to see the rivals. I learned how to read the matches and express what I saw, because one thing is to see and another to understand what you have seen. And it has helped me a lot" said.

About his relationship with Messina, said: "I have always been curious to see how it works in other sports. And I have opened the door to Messina to see how we work. He has seen that we work seriously. It has made me happy because many people have the feeling that we live on football talent of the players, but I think it is the kind of organization that can make a difference".

And about relationships in the locker room, he concludes: "I like the discussion and opinion. A team must have three or four players with strong personality, to plant doubt and force us to think. In my assistants I expect the same. I do not like a player who creates a conflict. I hope he provides a solution".

2.07.2011

League (Day 22): Kaka reactions

Kaka exhausted left the pitch
Kaka scored the first goal

We have seen that you felt better in the pitch. Is it important to be regaining confidence?
"I felt more comfortable, faster and more agile. I feel more confident. One always wants more when things work out. I'd like to have games like this more frequently in order to actively help the team".

Mourinho has introduced many innovations in the team and everyone has given up. It is important.
"Playing motivates players. We used many men who missed the last few games. It's important for the group to grow more confident and to score early and to sentence the game soon after that. It made the match easier for us. It was an important game for us because we maintain our 7-point distance with Barcelona".

Cristiano once again scored. Do you think that is overwhelmed when he does not get a goal?
"Cristiano gets angry when he makes a mistake or fails to score, but that's not to say he is anxious about it. He scored again tonight and his numbers are truly impressive".

What do you think about Adebayor?
"Adebayor is proving to be a great player who will help Real Madrid this season. He takess two goals in two games. It is a big plus".

You came out of the Bernabeu acclaimed ...
"It's good to come out well and the fans recognize the work".

League (Day 22): Adebayor reactions




How have you felt after scoring your first goal in the league?
It was as nice as when I scored in Cup. It has also been at the Bernabeu and I feel very comfortable here.

Can Real Madrid finish tracing the advantage that has Barcelona?
Sure. With the support of the fans anything is possible. We are fighting to keep that dream alive and playing games like today, we are succeeding.

Seems you have adapted very quickly. Is your future in Madrid after these six months?
I have come to play football but in principle it is for that period of time. I want to enjoy and I'm getting it in Madrid. It is the best team in the world. So, am I going to want to stay here? I am very well and very motivated.

Do you feel well with your team-mates and coach?
Yes, the truth is that Mou is a great coach. We attack and defend well as a team. That's something I like. The teamplate have welcomed me like family. Some call me Manu, other Adi and others do not call me (laughs). But I'm fine with everyone and at the Bernabeu I am very comfortable.

Spanish League: Day 22

REAL MADRID 4 - REAL SOCIEDAD 1

Long ago that Real Madrid did not enjoy such a placid evening, dedicated to the enjoyment and to allow its players to display their skills. Because that was the game, a contest of skills between Kaka, Cristiano and Özil, the inspired trio ate without difficulty a frightened Real Sociedad. Invaluable was the contribution of Xabi Alonso who once again got the ideas and set the pace. Adebayor, relentless in his pressure with his movements generated plenty of spaces and Casillas with decisive interventions. Kaka opened the way to victory, Cristiano completely cleared it with a new double and Adebayor put the final signature. Madrid is seven points behind Barcelona, but with a smile, life seems less tough.

The Bernabeu had fun and enjoyed a great version of his team which featured most friendly image of the year. Freed from the anguish that seemed to cause the Cup, showed a perfect attitude and sought victory with a decision and a determination that had not response in a timid Real Sociedad surpassed from start to finish that was struck without any pretense and consideration. As easy Mourinho saw the match that he gave the last ten minutes of the match, including extension, Canales, Özil substitute.

Kaka and Cristiano celebrate the first goal against Real Sociedad
Kaka's goal celebration

The abysmal gap between the two teams had favored the staging of men like Kaka, since starter he was submitted to the Bernabeu. Approved on a high note and not an exaggeration to say that perhaps he completed his best moments in white. Nor was hard to beautify what has been done so far. The Brazilian appeared as a playmaker in the middle, with Özil to his right and Cristiano to the left. Rotations also reached the defense where Garay ranked Albiol site, and the attack where Benzema regained his place on the bench and gave way to Adebayor. Time will tell if this latest move is a rotation or a trend. We shall soon find out.

Kaka needed only 30 seconds to warn of his intentions. The ripped was one that reminded best Kaka, from midfield to the edge of the area, from where he threw off target. He did not wasted the next time; took advantage of a poor clearance by Elustondo after Arbeloa center to beat with class and subtlety to Bravo. At the Real Madrid area, Casillas arranged with an incredible save his own mistake. It remembered, not as intensive, the save he did last season against Perotti.

Only eight minutes had been consumed and the Madrid walked downhill and Real Sociedad suffering uphill. Real Sociedad committed the mistake of letting think Xabi Alonso and also Lass grown up. With Xabi commanding and inspired is very difficult to not connect with his peers.

A combination between Kaka and Cristiano on the edge of the area while the opposing defenses watching them, was completed by the Portuguese with a precise shot that beat Bravo and reconciled him with the goal. The second goal of the Real Madrid was responded with a shot by Griezmann. It seemed Real Sociedad only played with a goal.

Real Sociedad had huge problems to play the ball from its area, a mission that seemed impossible for Martin Lasarte's teamplate. Much blame was Adebayor who ran miles to press the rival defense.

Madrid continued having fun and when committed the sin of relaxation, Casillas appeared to put things in place, as in a shot just before half by Tamudo. Earlier, Bravo prevented the third in a shot from Cristiano after a pass from Kaka but the Portuguese sign a new double with a beautiful header from a corner played by Özil.
What lay ahead was only know the extent of the damage. Real Madrid accumulated several scoring opportunities but Real Sociedad could save all. Even hid the punishment with a rebound goal 20 minutes from time; Casillas came to shine on Tamudo's shot but the ball ended up inside the goal after hitting on Arbeloa.

Earlier, Mourinho had already moved the bench. He allowed Kaka to enjoy the ovation at the Bernabeu to be replaced by Di Maria and rested Carvalho, replaced by Albiol. Near the end came the mentioned appearance of Canales and the match ended with the fourth goal of Madrid. Adebayor signed it, he received the ball and defined with the precision of a crack.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 76,000
Goals: 1-0, m.8: Kaká. 2-0, m.20: Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-0, m.42: Cristiano Ronaldo. 3-1, m.72: Arbeloa (o.g.). 4-1, m.89: Adebayor.

2.06.2011

Mou: "We must now focus on League and European Cup"

Jose Mourinho talked about today's match against Real Sociedad, Cristiano Ronaldo and his future at the Club, amongst other things, in the press conference after training.

Mourinho during a training in Valdebebas
Jose Mourihno 

"We must forget about the Copa. It would be silly to think about it now. We will play the final when the time comes. We must now focus on La Liga and the Champions League".

"Real Sociedad are playing very well and we'll have to watch out because they happen to be one of my favourite teams. Our first leg encounter against them was complicated because they played very well against us, not because we played badly. They are a difficult team to beat".

"The favourite team to win La Liga is the side that leads the table, but we still have mathematical chances to win. We'll have to continue winning games and doing our job".

"We have the same chances to win the Champions League as the other 15 teams that remain in the competition. It is drawing nearer and we are preparing for it because we'll have to be in optimum form to play the knockout stage. It's as important for Real Madrid to breach the Last 16 barrier as it was for them to reach the Copa del Rey final. The moment of truth will arrive at the end of February when we play in the Champions League again. That competition is of special significance to us".

"I haven't so far seen a team as fit as us at the end of each game, but a team can be fit and also feel minor fatigue. We put pressure on ourselves. I want to win every game. I don't like it when we don't win and fail to play well. I don't care about the point difference between us and our main opponent".

"We are working and improving on a structural and functional level, heading in a direction I like very much. I believe this will help make the Club powerful from a sports viewpoint, and allow it to win titles once more. My decisions go hand in hand with the capacity I have to do my job the best way I possibly can, and I am currently happy with the situation I'm in".

"Cristiano has scored 32 goals this season. His numbers are truly dramatic, tallying one strike every two games, having an enormous amount of playing time... He only missed the Copa match against Levante, he's never been suspended or injured, he's even played sick... I believe the season would continue to be fantastic for him even if he didn't score any more goals. His daddy always defends him".

"Kaka feels very well, but some sensations are lost over time and need time to get back to you. Arbeloa takes football seriously. He is aware of his quality and of his small defects. He doesn't want to play beyond his possibilities. He never gives a 10/10 performance, but he also never earns a 6/10. Her always earns a 7, 8 or 9. I like the type of player he is very much".

"Benzema is doing much better. He didn't score in our last match, but the Bernabeu applauded his efforts nevertheless. This means the fans believe he is playing very well. His physical and psychological efforts in the game are very high. He always tries to help his team-mates and to score".

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Preview: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad shields


First note. If you come across Claudio Bravo, goalkeeper of Real Sociedad, do not ask. He brings a brace on teeth and still talks funny. Who have suffered it, will understand. Bringing orthodontics is like living with a harmonica in the mouth. And the goalkeeper-mime torture should be more if you play against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu; placing barriers, to correct positions, simple panic cries.

The second note has another name: Xabi Alonso. He was born in San Sebastian and is clearly good. From these certainties is easy to assume that Real Sociedad will base its system to block his exit with the ball. Zurutuza warned during the week: "Cristiano and company are fed by him".

And speaking about Cristiano, will open its chapter; four games without scoring, just turned 26 years and lately a certain melancholy. Three good reasons to play as best he can, if fatigue permits.

Back to the Real Sociedad, the most outstanding focuses on its more advanced line. Xabi Prieto, to respect the gallon, is an excellent player, so much that is inexplicable that big clubs in Europe do not want sign him. Griezmann is an obvious jewel and Tamudo a popular classic. Nor lose sight of the red head Zurutuza.

The Real Sociedad, one of the toughest opponents against which Real Madrid has faced in the first round. Aranburu will not play, injured left foot. In return, Mikel Gonzalez returns after completing one match suspension.

In Madrid the settings are defensive due to the Ramos low (yellow cards accumulating). Arbeloa and Marcelo will occupy the sides, with Albiol and Carvalho at the heart of the rearguard. The only question is the companion of Xabi: Khedira or Lass.

Above, Özil will return to Bernabeu three days after his display against Sevilla and Benzema will return to score the goals that Adebayor threatened. Kaka will take minutes in the second half.

The match has stem and was missing. The three years of exile from the Real Sociedad in second division had deprived us of a hopefuls meeting like it was in the 80s . In that decade almost everyone who played today were born.
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