8.20.2011

Lass Diarra to play for Tottenham Hotspurs

Lass Diarra is one step from becoming a player of Tottenham Hotspurs, as was announced by the BBC. The agreement by the French, 26 years old, would be close to 11.5 million euros. Real Madrid, on the recommendation of the coach Juande Ramos, paid for him 20 millions in the winter market of the season 2008-2009.

Diarra and Adebayor could play for Tottenham Hotspurs

Real Madrid has been forced to sell him, although Mourinho wanted the player in the template, because the French do not admit his status as bench player. For this reason, Lass Diarra trained outside the team throughout the preseason, did not travel to American and Asian tours and has not play a single minute on a match. He also lost his number 10, the Mesut Özil's new number.

In two and a half years, the player's performance in Madrid has been uneven. He played 89 games and scored one goal. Khedira's arrival last summer sentenced him to the bench. Now, Sahin and Coentrao will close further the road to the starting line up.

Lass has opted for the London club because his ambition is to return to the Premier League. Even he is willing to lower his wage by 20 percent, as is said in the Britain islands. Harry Redknapp, the Spurs coach, spoke with the player to convince him. The veteran coach was his manager at Portsmouth, the best experience of French midfielder in England where formed a tandem that gave to the modest club the FA Cup 2008.

If he eventually signs for Tottenham, Lass could meet his former teammate Emmanuel Adebayor, who also negotiated his departure from Manchester City in the direction of White Hart Lane.

Mourinho is very sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Jose Mourinho is not happy with Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid coach knows he made a huge mistake last Wednesday at the Nou Camp putting his finger in the eye of TitoVilanova, assistant coach of FC Barcelona. Is sorry for his behavior and so he has told his circle of trusted people, both his ​​family and close friends.

Mourinho knows that nothing justifies such action. For many provocations he received or how hot they were the last minutes of the game, there is no reason to attack a person. Also knows that the mistake was higher because he was the person who should set an example to his players in those difficult moments and also represented Real Madrid.

The next day, naturally calmer and with hindsight, Mourinho realized that he had exceeded and that he should control his nerves at the time of high tension that was lived in the Camp Nou field. He also knows he was wrong in the press conference with his contempt, when he called Tito Vilanova, 'Pito' (Translation: Whistle or... cock)

Mourinho knows what represents as coach of Real Madrid and that the action is not appropiate to the position he has. It was too late to rectify, but if a similar situation occurs again, he would act very differently. He is very clear.

Mourinho is sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

8.19.2011

Wagner Ribeiro: "Real Madrid is the best for Neymar"

If the August 11, Neymar said: "I do not rule out either Real Madrid or Barcelona", now his father has ordered to rectify and delete the option Barcelona. He did yesterday, minutes after the Super Cup Classic on Esporte Interativo TV channel, where he went to pick up the Gringa prize of his child, awarded after being voted player of Brazil's 2010-11 and author of the best goal (against Colo Colo in the Libertadores). "Real Madrid is the best club in Europe, for its business structure and the way they treat their players. Real Madrid is best for my child".

The presenter of the show, Jorge Kajuru, put on the table the Barcelona name and comments claiming that his style fits more with the Neymar's football. The father of the player was blunt: "My dream is to keep him at Santos until the 2014 World Cup, but if you ask me about future club, I say that Madrid is the best option, but nothing is signed".

In Esporte Interativo also was Wagner Ribeiro, the agent of Santos player said: "I ​​also disagree that FC Barcelona is the best option for Neymar. Madrid is the best in Europe. Its fans are mature and love the club. They talk about wonderful numbers, 45 million euros and annual awards... is the best option for Neymar, but nothing is signed with them".

While the future of the star player is still on everyone's lips, Santos continues its slump in the Brasileirao Championship. Yesterday, added another defeat against Coritibia (2-3), despite go ahead twice in the score (1-0 and 2-1) with goals from Borges. With this defeat, Santos remains in relegation place (17 º). Neymar and Santos did not have against Coritibia their best day as the 'Menino da Vila' admitted after the match: "I do not know what is happening to us. We must become again the team that wondered America".

Real Madrid still works to sign Neymar

Spanish Super Cup: Positive results

Sporting controversies aside, in the squad of Real Madrid, the assessment made of Spanish Super Cup is very positive despite the defeat: "Playing as well, we usually going to win them", they say arguing that the image of the team on the pitch was quite satisfactory, with moments of absolute dominion over Barcelona.

That the distance between the two teams has been significantly cut, is something that is clear in the world of football and at the Bernabeu Stadium, where is believed that the final victory of Barcelona was decided on isolated details, and especially by the quality of Leo Messi.

Team is worried about some defensive mistakes which were repeated in both games, when the matches reached the end of the first half. In the first leg, after three clear chances of Real Madrid, the blow came from Messi. And in the second leg as well, in minute 44.

Leaving aside the final minutes, the assessment that both the coaches and Directive make of the Super Cup is positive: "We made two fantastic games and if you look at the six we have played in the last four months, you will notice a great balance", Mourinho told at press conference before the match.

Real Madrid played two great games agaisnt Barcelona despite the results
Real Madrid celebrates a goal against Barcelona

8.18.2011

Mourinho: "We feel like we played two very good games"

Mourinho at the press conference after the match

Jose Mourinho spoke to the press to analyse the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona at Camp Nou. The end result was bad but wanted to highlight the good game made by the team in two matches of this competition.

"Real Madrid gave a spectacular performance from the first to the last minute. I just say what I think. We came here to play. What I'm about to say is not a criticism, I'm just stating a fact: there were no ball-boys in the second half, which is something typical of small teams when experiencing difficulties. What happened simply happened, but I'm nevertheless happy with my team".

"We feel like we played two very good games in their entirety. This team is better than it was last year. The longer you work with people, the better the conditions are to have a better year. We played nine games this preseason and proved to be better than we were last year in the last two. I'm happy with the progress my men have made".

"The referee must punish what he deems punishable. Pepe and Marcelo played a great game, one for the entire 90 minutes and the other for 45. Pepe saw a booking for a minor tackle and Marcelo gave a great performance. I'm not going to say we're happy because we didn't win the Spanish Super Cup; that would be hypocritical of me. We intend to play like men and not fall on the ground at the slightest touch".

Mourinho declined to say nothing of his attitude toward Tito Vilanova, Barcelona assistant coach. Mourinho stuck a finger in the eye of Vilanova and the image has not liked in the Real Madrid: "He is the first to know that this image is not good for him or for the club". According to the club, what happened is explained, without wanting to justify what Mourinho did, because: "What it should not be allowed is that Tito Vilanova spends all the match with challenging gestures and insulting us".

Spanish Super Cup (2nd Leg): FC Barcelona 3 - 2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid has become fearless, has increased his strength and kept bravery that excites Mourinho, but not enough to win Barca, When Messi is placed in the balance, continues to weigh more. The Argentine is the dam that stops a growing Real Madrid. Even short of fitness, as now. Spanish Super Cup stayed at the Nou Camp after a match that began sunny and bitterness, but ended with the same bad temper and reprehensible uproar of the last storm classics. Marcelo, Özil and Villa lost their minds in and finished sent-off on the street.

It was a match played out of breath. At 39 seconds Cristiano had sent a poisoned ball to Valdes, with half a dozen players from Madrid tightening at the security perimeter of Barcelona. Guardiola played with the starting line up that won the Wembley final of the Champions League, unequivocal proof that behind the mist of rotations appears the clarity of the untouchables. But the untouchables did not look good. A Xavi's pass failure served the first chance of Madrid. Pique walked without speed, which is to drift. Busquets did not offer great solutions and Pedro defended himself well against Coentrao, but did not have the force of Alexis.

Messi scoring a goal against Real Madrid
Messi won the title for FC Barcelona

Real, as in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, returned to be above for a long time, with gestures of courage, strength and without give the ball to Barca, which out of habit without it was mishandled. Its playing has an anesthetic effect, discouraged and empty physically the prey. Real Madrid did not tolerate it this time, but 'swallowed' a goal before the first quarter of an hour with no reasons. White team had been better before and after that pass from Messi leaving Iniesta face to face with Casillas, unable to guess the subtle touch. Iniesta was not Robben. Even away from the plentitude, Messi is credited as insurmountable as the last barrier that is resistant to Madrid. Hence the efforts of Florentino Perez to sign Neymar, who he sees as a possible clone of the Argentine.

The 1-0 showed the mismatches of the Real Madrid, hungry and offensive. Its central defenders and Ramos have tuning troubles to defend the counter-attacks. Coentrao sweats blood as left side defender. However, the team offered the best possible face: Pepe, fast and smart as a hare, but again close to vandalism in a foul on Messi and a nudge on Pique. Cristiano Ronaldo, fast, furious and scorer. Benzema, eager to finish every play. Not accompanied by Özil, who looks cannot play all kind of matches and without the pressure of Kaka.

And Real Madrid was adding opportunities until tie with a goal by Cristiano (end to the curse of the Camp Nou), before a beautiful shooting; Great saves by Casillas against Pedro and Messi, hand and foot. A Cristiano Ronaldo's missile to the bar followed by a Özil's diagonal shot that Valdes saved with many problems. Until a new emergence of Messi after a heel pass by Pique (luxuries are available to all in Barca), what froze again Mou's team in a psychological moment, the stroke of half. The same blow from four days ago. The same feeling that FC barcelona sends team to the canvas without effort.

Marcelo came on for Khedira in the second half in order to open up the attack down the wings and put more pressure on the locals. The Whites continued in their search for an equaliser that would keep them alive in the championship, while Barcelona slowed down the game with longer periods of possession. Far from despairing, the Madridistas kept trying. Higuain came on for Di Maria in the 63rd minute, which forced Benzema to play down the wings, and a few minutes later, Ramos grazed the near post by trying to head in a corner-kick (70').

Kaka replaced Ozil on the 81-minute mark and a corner kick served by him was converted into a strike by Benzema only one minute later (82') just before the Fabregas' debut with Guardiola's team. Barcelona decided to defend more and, just when it seemed the game would go into extra time, they scored through Messi in yet another effective venture in attack. Marcelo was sent off in the final minute when everything was already lost. It begins to look like a nightmare that cannot be finished.

Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo regrets the final score

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 92,965
Goals:1-0: Iniesta, min.15. 1-1: Cristiano Ronaldo, min.20. 2-1: Messi, min.45. 2-2: Benzema, min.81. 3-2: Messi, min.88.

8.17.2011

Squad: Jose Mourinho (Coach)

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho (Setubal, Portugal, 26-1-1963) joined Real Madrid one week after winning the Champions League title with Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Nerazzurri hadn't won the title in 45 years, but under the Portuguese coach Inter also won the Italian Scudetto and the Cup of Italy during the 2009/10 season; the first-ever treble in club history. Mourinho also won the Scudetto in his first season at Inter, as well as the Italian Super Cup.

Earlier in his career, Mourinho won six titles in three years at Chelsea. During his first year at Stamford Bridge, he won the Premier League and the Carling Cup. Chelsea won the Premiership again the following year after a tight race with Manchester United throughout the season, which the Blues opened by winning the Community Shield. Mourinho led Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup during the 2006/07 campaign.

Before leaving for England, Mourinho won the second Champions League title for Porto in 2004 as well as the Portuguese league title (the first for Porto in four years). With the Portuguese side he also won one UEFA Cup, one Cup of Portugal and one Portuguese Super Cup.

Data
  • Place of Birth: Setubal, Portugal
  • Date of Birth: 26 January 1963
  • Nationality: Portuguese
Honours
  • Champions League: 2004 (Porto), 2010 (Inter)
  • UEFA Cup: 2003 (Porto)
  • Spanish League: 2011/12
  • Scudettos: 2008/09, 2009/2010 (Inter)
  • Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06 (Chelsea)
  • Portuguese League: 2002/03, 2003/04 (Porto)
  • Spanish Cup: 2010/11 (Real Madrid)
  • Italian Cup: 2009/10 (Inter)
  • F.A. Cup: 2006/07 (Chelsea)
  • Carling Cup: 2004/05, 2006/07 (Chelsea)
  • Cup of Portugal: 2002/03 (Porto)
  • Spanish Super Cup: 2012
  • Italian Super Cup: 2008 (Inter)
  • Community Shield: 2005 (Chelsea)
  • Portuguese Super Cup: 2003 (Porto)
Personal accolades:
  • FIFA World Coach of the Year: 2010
  • IFFHS Best Coach award: 2004, 2005, 2010
  • UEFA Best Coach: 2002/03, 2003/04
  • League Managers Association (LMA) Hall of Fame: Inducted 2010
  • Best coach of the Italian League: 2009
  • Best Coach of the Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06
  • Best Coach of the Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04

UEFA Champions League 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the UEFA Champions League that ended with FC Barcelona as champions. The white team was defeated in the semifinals by the champion team, after a great season and a controversial refereeing in the first leg of the semifinal round.

KNOCK-OUT ROUNDS



GROUP TABLE

Group Table

8.16.2011

Spanish Cup 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the Spanish Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal ended with eighteen years of abstinence from the last Real Madrid's title in the Copa del Rey. Mourinho's first title for Real Madrid and the first final that Guardiola has lost on FC Barclona bench.

SPANISH CUP TABLE


Spanish Cup Table










Spanish League 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the Football Spanish League that ended with FC Barcelona as champions. The white team was runner-up.

SPANISH LEAGUE TABLE

8.15.2011

Squad: Gonzalo Higuain (20)

Gonzalo Higuain

Gonzalo Higuaín jumped onto the world football stage after being named Breakthrough Player on Argentina’s 2006 Torneo Apertura. "Pipita" is known for his speed in the last third of the pitch, his great striking ability, and his precisionpassing. Quick, elegant, and a knack for decision-making make Higuaín a fashionable forward in today's world of football.

Higuaín scored his first goal as Madridista against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in 2006/07. His propensity for scoring in derbies dates back to his first Boca-River clash, when he led Los Millonarios to victory with a stunning brace. During his first year with Real Madrid he was criticised for rushing his shots on goal, but his few successful finishes were worth their weight in gold; Higuaín netted the game winner in the team’s amazing 4-3 comeback against Espanyol and lit a spark under his teammates in the season-closer against Mallorca.

Whether he plays close to the six-yard box or along the right wing, Higuaín has what it takes to be a goal-scoring machine.

Data
  • Place of Birth: Brest, France
  • Date of Birth: 12/10/1987
  • Position: Forward
  • Weight: 81.5 kg
  • Height: 184 cm
  • Nationality: Argentine/French
Honours
  • La Liga (Spanish League): 2006/07, 2007/08, 2011/12
  • Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup): 2010/11
  • Spanish Super Cup: 2008, 2012

Spanish Super Cup (1st Leg): Real Madrid 2 - 2 FC Barcelona

Real Madrid did everything in their power to defeat Barcelona, but it wasn't to be. Tonight's match proved football is sometimes unfair. Barça scored from the only two chances they had on Casillas' goal. The Whites fought to the end supported by their fans.

Great performance without good result

Real Madrid's pressure close to Valdes' goal surprised Barcelona, who seemed to marvel at the physical prowess of Mourinho's men. Guardiola's players didn't feel comfortable on the pitch and the crowd roared in support of every local venture in attack. The Whites scored their first goal on the 12-minute mark through Özil, who was assisted brilliantly by Benzema on the box line after dribbling past Abidal. The locals continued to search for more strikes and the Frenchman had a good chance in the 28th minute that was cleared by the keeper.

But just when everyone expected Real to score again, Villa pulled rank and defeated Casillas with a great shot from outside the box (35'). The strike was a harsh blow to Mourinho's side, but nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo kept trying for a winner and came close to netting it with a shot that marginally missed the target. Football was yet to be cruel once more with the Madridistas and Messi, having capitalised on Pepe slipping inside the box, found himself alone with Casillas and defeated him on the 45-minute mark.

Real Madrid continued their onslaught on Valdes' goal after half-time, spearheaded by the injustice of fate. Mourinho made Fabio Coentrao come on for Di Maria (53') and the equaliser soon followed: Ozil served a corner kick, the ball was deflected and landed at Pepe's feet, the defender controlled it and passed it back to Xabi Alonso, who scored from a great crossed shot.

Callejon came on for Khedira minutes later (57') and the team continued having plenty chances to score. A free-kick by Ronaldo missed the mark in the 63rd minute, a header by Benzema was saved by Valdes on the 66-minute mark, and possession clearly belonged to Real Madrid. But no more goals were scored and the clock was ticking. Higuain came on for Benzema in the 80th minute and two minutes later followed the most controversial play of the game: Valdes tripped Cristiano Ronaldo inside the box with his right arm and the referee failed to award a penalty. Barcelona also demanded a penalty after Pedro was tackled inside the box close to the end of the match but none was awarded either. The final minutes of the game saw Real Madrid put on a siege on Valdes' goal and Barcelona defending themselves any way they could.

In the end, a superior Real Madrid side only managed to draw the match and will have to fight to win the title at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 79,528
Goals: 1-0: Özil , min.13. 1-1: David Villa, min.36. 1-2: Messi, min.45. 2-2: Xavi Alonso, min.55.

8.14.2011

Squad: Karim Benzema (9)

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema was born in Lyon, France on 19 December 1987 to a working class family originally from northern Algeria; roots that defined his mature yet simple character. The early days of his life as a footballer began at the age of 9 with Olympique Lyonnais, a club he had never left until signing for Real Madrid. He was one of the youth system’s most outstanding players and scored 38 goals in one season with the Under-16 side followed by the UEFA European Under-17 title with France in 2004. He debuted with Lyon’s first team on 15 January 2005 against Metz. Although he did not score, he did provide an assist to Bryan Bergougnoux, who scored the winning goal. Despite the fact that Benzema had been crowned champion of Europe, club staff didn’t want to rush the player’s development and only played him in six matches that season. He did however go on to score 12 goals in 14 matches with France’s Under-18 side.

The following year he played in 13 matches, scored one goal and made his Champions League debut against Rosenborg. He played in 21 matches and scored five goals in 2006/07, but Benzema really exploded onto the scene in 2007/08. Lyon won the Ligue 1 title for the seventh straight year as well as the Coupe de France. It was also the year he debuted with the French national team. On 28 March 2007 Benzema suited up for Les Bleus against Austria and scored his first international goal. The major thorn in his side was the 2008 Euro after France fell in the opening round. This season was especially bittersweet for the striker. His coach kept him on a relatively tight leash, allowing Benzema to score just 17 goals in 36 matches. Despite being eliminated by Barcelona in the Last 16 of the Champions League, Benzema did manage to score five goals in Europe’s top competition.

Benzema’s football is based on tremendous strength, his wicked moves, unlimited ball skills and a superb strike. The Madridista striker is intelligent and dominates every facet of what his position demands. He is an animal inside the box when his team needs him and he is the perfect man to initiate a counter-attack when his teammates feel pressured.

Data
  • Place of Birth: Lyon, France
  • Date of Birth: 12/19/1987
  • Position: Forward
  • Weight: 83.5 kg
  • Height: 184.1 cm
  • Nationality: French
Honours
  • La Liga (Spanish League). 2011/12
  • Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup): 2010/11
  • Spanish Super Cup: 2012
  • Ligue 1: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08
  • Coupe de France: 2008
  • Trophée de Champions: 2005, 2006, 2007
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