Real Madrid

Super Cristiano scores hat-trick against Malaga

2011-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Portuguese star netted three times in only fifteen minutes in the game between Real Madrid and Malaga. Mourinho's side got an important 0-4 win over the local team and reached the top spot of "La Liga".

Ronaldo's first goal came after an extraordinary pass from Di María. Only five minutes later, Cristiano made another great move to dismiss Demichelis and score his second one. And he netted his third goal with a kung-fu tackle after a corner kick.

Even local fans applauded his three goals. And Mourinho expressed his satisfaction at the end of the game. Real Madrid is close to be the dream team they need to be in order to defeat Barcelona this season.

Madrid ready to face Lyon in Champions League

2011-10-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho will face his 100th game in European competitions. And this time, his rival will be one of the toughest ones for Real Madrid in the last 4 years: Lyon.

Mourinho praised the talent and quality of Lyon, and wanted to focuse on the 2011/2012 Champions League season. "It's a new story" he said.

Higuain scores yet another hat-trick

2011-10-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

It seems that Gonzalo Higuain version 2011/2012 is a new player. Even more talented, precise and stronger. Last week, he scored two hat-tricks - against Espanyol and Chile - and this time he just did it again. Real Madrid beat Betis 4-1 with three goals netted by the argentinian striker.

The other goal of Madrid was scored by Kaka. This season, the brazilian midfielder is proving his real value. Jorge Molina shot the only goal for Betis.

This was the 100th game with Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo. The portuguese star did not score but he assisted Higuain twice and completed a great game.

Real Madrid reached the second place of the Spanish League with 16, just one point behind Barcelona.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: 0-2 loss in Champions League semifinal

2011-04-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid used their best men to face powerful Barcelona. And this third "clasico", a Champions League semifinal, was indeed equaly rough for both sides. But when Lionel Messi decides to unleash his talent, there is no team in the world capable of stopping him.

The popular Lio netted a double and Barcelona got an important 0-2 win as visitors. They are virtually reaching the final at Wembley.

Mourinho expressed his frustration: "Don't get me wrong. They are an amazing team. But I just don't understand why referees and even UEFA always help them. We are eliminated now. It's obvious that the second game will not be tough. It will be mission impossible".

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Mourinho and Guardiola at war

2011-04-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Jose Mourinho gave the first hit. "Guardiola has started a new era, a new group of coaches - a group with one person: him... a group that criticizes the referee's good decisions" said Real Madrid's coach.

After this, Guardiola simply blasted against 'Mou': "In this press room, he is the f*** boss, the one that knows everything. I don't care if he wins that kind of competition. Tomorrow we will face him on the pitch, and that's what counts."

Barcelona and Real Madrid will play their third "clásico" in 15 days, this time in a Champions League semifinal. As we can see, this kind of duels are not just another game.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Mourinho to use Özil, Ronaldo and Di María in Champions League semis

2011-04-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid is about to face Barcelona in the Champions League semis, and coach José Mourinho announced that he will repeat the same team that won the "Copa del Rey" Final, including the powerfull frontline with Cristiano Ronaldo, Mezut Özil and Angel Di María.

The only exceptions will be Albiol for Carvalho and Lass for Khedira. The game will take place on April 27 at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

Jose Mourinho, Sergio Ramos and some other key players have expressed their confidence in beating Barcelona in one of the most important "clasicos" of the season.

Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 1-0 and win Copa del Rey

2011-04-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo became a hero by scoring the only goal in this final against Barcelona in extra-time. Real Madrid defeated their classic rival and won the "Copa del Rey" for the first time in 17 years.

The match was intense and both teams had equal chances to score, but the opener woul never come in the 90 minutes. Mourinho and Guardiola used their last cards to win the game in extra-time, and the Portuguese coach won the duel.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, this is his most important night at Real Madrid so far. He netted the opener with a powerfull header after a long pass by Di María. The results of so much investment finally became reality.

After the end of the match, Iker Casillas received the Cup and the whole team celebrated in the middle of the field. Their first "Copa del Rey" title in 17 years is a great achievement, and just like Mourinho said, "this team deserves the Cup".

This second "clasico" was a really good game, and we

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: No favorites in Copa del Rey Final, according to 'Mou'

2011-04-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, said that there are "no favorites. Real Madrid and Barcelona have the same chances of winning this final. I have been in many finals and that's the way it is. Both teams could be the winners".

Mou's squad arrived at Valencia ready to face their classic rival in the "Copa del Rey" Final, the second "clasico" expected for this month.

Madrid will have their three best strikers ready to blast Barça's keeper. Cristiano Ronaldo, Özil and Angel Di María will take part of the game since the very first minute.

The Portuguese coach expressed his confidence about beating Guardiola's men. "I'm still nobody in Real Madrid's history. This may be my first final with the team, but I have been in many finals before. We can win this title and the Champions League as well, because everybody here works really hard".

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Ronaldo and Messi score in 1-1 draw

2011-04-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

Ten-men Real Madrid got a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the spanish derby at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Lionel Messi scored the opener for Barcelona and appeared to be the star of the game. But Cristiano Ronaldo knew this was the chance to prove his world-class star status, and he scored the equalizer ten minutes before the end of the match.

This result tastes like victory for Mourinho's side. Casillas, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo had an excellent performance and demonstrated that Real Madrid have real chances of winning at least one of the titles in dispute: Copa del Rey and Champions League.

Jose Mourinho complained about the referee and assured that Barcelona's Dani Alves should have been red carded. "For the Cup Final we should practice ten-men strategies" said the Portuguese coach.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: The winner will earn a lot more than three points

2011-04-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Mourinho's Real Madrid will face Guardiola's Barcelona four times in 21 days and the first duel in this Spanish-Derby overdose will take place tomorrow.

This match at the Santiago Bernabeu will have the attention of the whole world because of the extraordinary quality of both side's footballers, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, to name a few. And even though this game is - in theory - the least important one, the winner will have a huge motivation boost to face the other three games.

Mourinho prefers to remain in silence and that attitude upsets many journalists. However, we know that both teams will use their best cards on the pitch tomorrow. As for Guardiola, he already said that Real Madrid are favorites to win this first encounter.

Four Real Madrid-Barcelona derbies in 20 days?

2011-04-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Barcelona defeated Shakhtar 1-5 and it's very likely that the two most traditional rivals in Spain will meet in the Champions League semifinals.

If we add the Copa del Rey Final and another League match schedule for those weeks, we could be at the scenario of four Real Madrid vs. Barcelona games in less than 20 days.

In that case, we will see Cristiano Ronaldo against Lionel Messi face to face, once again. Football fans in the world couldn't be happier.

Champions League 2011: Superb Madrid demolished Tottenham 4-0

2011-04-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid acomplished an astonishing win over Tottenham Hotspurs. Adebayor scored a double, while Cristian Ronaldo and Di Maria helped with one goal each, to complete a 4-0 final result.

Mourinho's team proved to be a big candidate to reach the final. In fact, with this score Madrid is almost qualified for the semis - it would take a miracle for the Spurs to overcome this result.

The second game will take place on April 13, at the White Hart Lane Stadium in London.

Van der Vaart: I don't need to prove anything in this match

2011-04-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Talented midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart left Real Madrid eight months ago, but destiny wanted him to be back at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, this time as a rival.

The Dutch player said that he does not need to prove anything to the coach or the fans of Real Madrid. He said he misses to be part of Mourinho's team, but he alse made clear that he is really happy in London.

Rafael is more focused in the fact that this is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Spurs to make history in the Champions League.

Champions League: Real Madrid to face Tottenham without Benzema

2011-04-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho finished the last training session with a clear idea of which players will be fit for the important match against the surprising Tottenham Hotspurs.

As we know, this crucial Champions League game will take place tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The London team arrived with the unique opportunity of making history in this tournament.

Mourinho confirmed that Karim Benzema is out of the game due to an injury. But there is a big chance that Ronaldo, Di Maria and Marcelo will play in this match. It depends on how their injuries evolve in the next hours.

Emmanuel Adebayor arrived at Madrid to play for Mourinho

2011-01-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

The talented Manchester City's striker will be on loan until June. Emmanuel Adebayor arrived at Madrid and immediately took a physical exam. The player could take part of Madrid's game on this weekend.

Carlos Díez, head of the medical staff at Real Madrid, said that the 26 year old player is fit to be part of the team. "He is physically amazing, really strong and adapted to play at his maximum level during the whole game".

His arrival is a blessing for Mourinho, who recently asked for more strikers since Gonzalo Higuain went under surgery.

Real Madrid rescue a 2-2 draw in Italy

2010-11-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

Higuain netted the opener but Filippo Inzaghi scored twice to drive all italian fans crazy. When they were already celebrating the victory, Pedro Leon scored the equalizer in the last seconds of the match.

This exciting encounter took place at the historical stadium of San Siro in Milan. And coach Allegri was aware that he needed his best footballers to show what they can do. Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic and Pirlo were playing well, with precision and discipline.

But Real Madrid never gave up and the final result was the prize for their efforts. Now the spanish team secured a place in the round of 16 of the 2010/2011 Champions League.

Once again, Ronaldo lead Real Madrid to victory: 3-1 over Hercules

2010-11-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid players seem to be unstoppable this season. . Their last victim was the weak Hercules from Alicante. Mourinho's team beat them with goals by Ángel di María and Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted a double. The game finished 3-1.

However, the match would not be easy, especially in the first minutes. Hercules surprised everybody when French striker David Trezeguet scored the opener after a long pass by David Cortés.

But Madrid proved that they are almost unbeatable this season. First, keeper Calatayud could not stop a shoot by Ronaldo and Argentinian Di Maria was fast enough to score the equalizer.

After another collective move, Ronaldo scored the second for Madrid. The Portuguese star would score the last one as well, after a nice pass by Benzema.

Ronaldo's numbers make history at Real Madrid

2010-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

At the beginning, some may had doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo. But today he is finally the effective player everybody wants him to be: he just scored seven goals in 17 days.

And that's not the most important part of the news. He's scored 40 goals in 45 games, with an average of 0,88 goals per match.With that number, he is now more effective than Raul Gonzalez, or Alfredo Di Stefano, to name a few.

Cristiano Ronaldo has improved in every aspect since Mourinho was hired as the coach, and now the numbers speak by themselves.

Real Madrid close to book a spot in the next stage with a 2-0 win over AC Milan

2010-10-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Mourinho's side began to show their real capacity to play world-class football. This AC Milan would be favorites in a match against most teams in the world, but today's Real Madrid has just too much talent and energy to make the Italian club look like a small team. Cristiano Ronaldo lead his team to victory with a nice goal. Ronaldinho could not do the same for his side, and the game finished 2-0 for the locals.

At tonight's Champions League game we were able to see Cristiano Ronaldo having a great performance. He netted the first goal with a superb free kick. And the second one came just one minute later, when Mesut Özil shot a short pass and the ball hit Bonera's head before entering the goal.

The italian side lead by Ronaldinho and Seedorf took partial control of the game but there were no clear attacks on Madrid's field. Pirlo, Gatusso and Ibrahimovic were not a solution for Milan either, and now Mourinho's side are leaders of their group.

Clarence Seedorf: Mourinho makes Real Madrid even more fearsome

2010-10-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

Italian powerhouse AC. Milan are just about to face battle Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, and Dutch player Clarence Seedorf is eager to play that match already.

He knows he is well respected among Madrid fans due to his years playing at the Bernabeu. But he also is a living icon for Milan. And he thinks that "Real Madrid is always a powerful rival, but Mourinho makes them even more fearsome".

According to the playmaker, Real Madrid is among the top three favorite teams to win this season of the Champions League.

Mourinho: I don't want to sign up any more players during the winter season

2010-10-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho wants the press to say the idea loud and clear: there will be no new players in the next months, unless something really unusual happens to his current squad.

"This is my squad for the rest of the season, I trust in this players. Madrid has already made the investment that we needed so that's it. Our squad may be not perfect, but there are no perfect squads anywhere" Mourinho said.

He also expressed that it's too early to talk about sign ups for January. According to him, the General Director of the club and the President will say the same thing if asked.

With this statement, Mourinho wants to end with rumours that assure Real Madrid is after players like Wayne Rooney and Gareth Bale

Statistics back Manuel Pellegrini's work

2010-04-02T07:39:00.001-07:00

Despite the massive criticism to his work, the Chilean coach has record numbers. Statistics say that Pellegrini is the best coach since the first period of Florentino Perez, both in the domestic league and Europe as well.

"Critics don't bother me. Our numbers prove that our project and our work are valid" Manuel Pellegrini respond criticism with objective reasons.

Indeed, statistics are stunning: with 74 points when there are only 9 games left, he has done better than Del Bosque (62 points in 2000/2001), Queiroz (61)and Capello (54) to name a few.

Goals are another prove of their good job: Madrid has scored 81 so far (2.79 average) and is the top scorer team in Spain.

With the last triumh over Athletic, Real Madrid has 11 consecutive wins - a record that was only achieved in the 62/63 season.

Clásico: Ronaldo and Kaka could not defeat Ibrahimovic's Barcelona

2009-11-30T08:11:00.001-08:00

Real Madrid was able to use Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain and Kaka, but they still could not defeat a powerful Barcelona. The Spanish "Clasico" end with a 1-0 victory for the Catalan team.

The only goal of the game was scored by substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic, thanks to a long range pass by Dani Alves. Madrid defenders Pepe and Albiol reacted just a second too late to stop the Catalan striker.

At some point, it was interesting to see that many local fans tried to bother Cristiano Ronaldo with laser pointers before a free kick.

Pellegrini's team now fell to second place in the Spanish League, but it certainly is not a tragedy. Sevilla and Valencia are close behind but the race for the title is still open for any team.

Real Madrid and Barcelona after Cesc Fabregas

2009-11-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid is after Cesc Fabregas, but they are not alone in the race. Barcelona is also interested in getting the talented Arsenal's player for their team.

Real Madrid recently joined the list of teams in the chase of the popular Cesc. What's more, some Spanish newspaper suggest that Sandro Rosell, a former Nike executive, wants to use the recruitment of Fabregas to boost his chances to be elected president of Barcelona at the club's next elections in 2010.

However, Fabregas is happy in London: "I'm comfortable at Arsenal. We have started strongly in the Premier League and Champions League. We will see how it goes and hopefully injuries will be kind to us."

"I'm focused on the short term and don't look beyond that. I am the captain of my team, which is a great responsibility to my club and now is not the time to think in something else" he said.

Will Madrid or Barcelona achieve their goal of making him change his mind?

Fiorentina's Juan Vargas is aware of Real Madrid interest

2009-11-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

Peruvian super star Juan Manuel Vargas has commented on rumours about Real Madrid looking forward to sign him for the next season. "It's nice to hear that a bilg team such as Madrid are following me, though I don't know of anything official".

"Today I only think about Fiorentina and I'm happy that the club consider me unsellable. If I listened to everything said about me then I would risk losing my mind."

As we know, the south american defender struggled when he first joined the Viola from Catania, but proved to be a world class player this year. Now he is considered the best left-footed defender in the world.

Many newspapers in Spain have revealed the shopping list of Real Madrid for the next season, and Vargas is one of the most mentioned names.

Champions League: Liverpool edged Madrid at the Bernabeu

2009-02-25T22:48:00.000-08:00

Powerful yet doubtful Liverpool stunned Real Madrid 1–0 in front of 85,000 supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Wednesday.

In fact, the Liverpool goal was scored for an ulmots unknow player: Yossi Benayoun headed in the ball at the 82nd minute.

"He’s not the tallest," explained Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez in a post-match statement. "As you can see, he’s very clever."

Liverpool managed to stifle the high-flying squad in white despite losing star forward Fernando Torres to an ankle injury after the hour mark and not using inspirational captain Steven Gerrard until the 88th minute.

Indeed, it was a typical Liverpool Champions League performance. One could sense, the Reds would’ve been quite content with a draw and as such, the clash began relatively quietly.

Liverpool waited for its chances and soaked up Real Madrid pressure. The longer the clash remained scoreless, the more restless the Real Madrid supporters felt and the more nervous their players became.

Dutch winger Arjen Robber was Real’s main threat. He created scoring opportunities by cutting in from the right wing and firing long blasts at the Liverpool goal.

The midfield featured a great battle between Real’s Fernando Gago and Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano. Both were guilty of bad fouls and received yellow cards for their efforts.

Xabi Alonso, who attempted to provide some creativity in Liverpool’s midfield, had a long blast from mid-field tipped over the bar by Real keeper Iker Casillas.

In the 82nd minute, the talented Dirk Kuyt was pulled down by former Manchester United left back Gabriel Heinze and Liverpool was awarded with a free kick. Fabio Aurelio curled in a left-footer, which Benayoun headed in past keeper Casillas.

With the away goal in the bank, Liverpool closed out the clash and is in excellent shape for the re-match at Anfield on March 10.

"I was very pleased with the squad defending," continued Benitez. "Madrid had a lot of confidence. We had to work very hard."

"Maybe the only disappointment was the injury to Torres. He twisted his ankle. You could see he was not fully fit" stated Benitez.

Iker Casillas: “We face Barcelona the same way Nadal face Federer”

2009-02-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has compared the battle at the top of La Primera between his squad and Barcelona Football Club, to the battle between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the tennis ATP.

We must consider that the Spanish keeper believes that just as Nadal has become the dominant footballer on the courts, so to have Barcelona on the pitch.

"Back in the day, Nadal saw Federer as the best, and now he is at the top. We are up against a Barcelona side that plays very amazing football, and in despite of that, I believe that a season ago we were the best side in the league," he told Marca.

"We are doing well or very well...but another side are phenomenal. Right now we are feeling amazing, and in despite of that, next week we have another opponent and another difficult battle."

Indeed, Madrid welcome Real Betis to the Bernabeu, who they were indebted to at the weekend for taking points from Barcelona.

Indeed, Casillas says that they do not talk about whether or not they can catch the Catalans though, and in despite of that, focus only on victoryning encounteres.

"None of us are talking about if a recovery is possible, we just have to keep victoryning encounteres, to hope and to take advantages of our chances; continue victoryning and hope they slip up. A day will come when maybe we shorten the gap or when we lose and it becomes bigger," he mused.

At the moment Madrid are playing some impressive football under Juande Ramos and Casillas praised the turnaround, especially in defence.

"Before we were very vulnerable and were losing it in our heads, and when that happens the physical side of the game does not work. We must consider that now the side is very solid, and everyone is helped and helping defend. The side work is amazing and if we do not concede we know we will have chances," he opined.

"When we saw that Barcelona had dropped points last weekend the mentality changed and we went out harder knowing we could trim the gap. Things are still difficult and in despite of that, we do not want to waste opportunities and therefore we are more concentrated."

And while Casillas has been one of the main footballers as always for Real Madrid, others around him have struggled, particularly Marcelo and Royston Drenthe.

It’s amazing to notice that the goalkeeper says that he was glad to see the Brazilian score last weekend, and that Drenthe just needs some time to settle.

"Marcelo and Drenthe have had it tough, and in despite of that, the fans are very tough. They are young kids and it is the anxiety that is making them do things not so well. What is important is that he has got confidence, and the fans as needed, reward him. What is important is they are there with him and support him," he admitted.

"Drenthe is worried. When a boy so young is whistled at home it is bad for him. He has to know that everyone has been whistled at the Bernabeu though, I had some when I conceded twice, I think from Djalminha. He has quality and he will show that Real Madrid did not make a mistake buying him."

On the subject of buying, Casillas also spoke about the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, and unsurprisingly, declared himself to be "tired" by it.

"If Manchester United knock out Inter Milan and we defeat Liverpool, then we meet, amazing...The issue is already so long and repetitive that if the day does come we will all be relaxed. It is a story of the team. We have to worry about things here, to play our best and to try and victory titles," he claimed.

Lastly, the popular Iker reflected on words by Samuel Eto'o yesterday, saying that he wants to end his career at Real Mallorca.

"Samuel, when he speaks, is very clear, and in that sense, he expressed everything. In a tough moment a team counted on him and it is normal that Mallorca are in his heart. At Barcelona he has become an international footballer, and in despite of that, he does not forget his past," he concluded.

Pepe: I think Cristiano's mom wants him at Real Madrid

2009-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother wants the World soccer player to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid, according to fellow-Portugal international Pepe.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's mother has a dream: seeing her son play for Real Madrid. And everybody knows that mothers carry great weight," Pepe told Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) in an interview.

Pepe is a great friend of Ronaldo's and he plays for a club, Real Madrid, that has been after the winger for a long time. Last year, the operation to sign him failed over the staunch opposition of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

Pepe, a great fan of Ronaldo, explained that his mother, Dolores, wants him to move to Spain soon.

"Both his mother and all his family as well as himself have made it clear that their dream is to play for Real Madrid. It is a dream that his mother has and a dream that he has too. Now we will see what happens," the centre-back said.

As to Ronaldo's chances of settling in in the Spanish capital, Pepe has few doubts.

"He would not have any problems. This is a very great changing-room atmosphere. They received me very well, and with Cristiano there would not be a problem either."

Pepe smiles each time he thinks of Ronaldo - who turned 24 last Thursday - as a sidemate. He stresses, moreover, that the superstar portrays an image that does not clash what he is really like.

"People have an idea of him as a person which is completely different from the real thing. I have known him since he played for Sporting Lisbon and he is a very simple person who, like any human being, likes to dress well and to have the best stuff. Since he is in a position to buy the best, he does so."

The Real Madrid defender thinks Ronaldo's personality is perfect for a major club, contrary to popular belief that he may be inclined to behave like a conceited prima donna.

"Ronaldo is an incredible person. He likes to jump and joke with everyone. He is the Portugal captain, but he is the first to be jumping around with everyone else," Pepe said.

One of the season's debates is the permanent comparison between Ronaldo and Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, as to who is the better player?

Pepe votes for Ronaldo.

"They are different soccer players. For me, Cristiano has more points in his favour because he heads the ball well, he is stronger and he scores goals. Messi has quality, dribbles and scores goals. For a team boss, I think Cristiano is better because he is more complete," he said.

The Brazilian-born Pepe, whose full name is Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira, also spoke of Real Madrid's chances in an edition of Spain's La Liga that is clearly dominated by Barcelona.

He insists that the league is not lost, although the Catalan side has a 12-point lead over its arch-rival from the capital.

"Of course not. It is not impossible to win. It does not depend on us, but we have to keep fighting and put pressure on Barcelona," Pepe said.

Paco Buyo: Iker Casillas is the Best goalkeeper in the World

2009-02-05T23:59:00.001-08:00

This weekend, Iker Casillas will equal the record for most appearances by a goalkeeper at Real Madrid, equalling the tally of 454 encounters set by Paco Buyo.

The two shot-stoppers were present together in Radio Marca program, ‘Intermedio’ to have a chat and share their opinions of each other.

“Right now, Iker is the best goalkeeper in the world,” Buyo expressed.

“He is a very complete goalkeeper. Aside from his humility, he has a lot of confidence in his abilities, he’s able to visualise the game and he’s a great professional.

“He demonstrated this during Euro 2008 at the time he became one of the key figures to help Spain victory the title. In addition, Buffon, the only other goalie who can challenge Iker, is not at his best at the moment.

“To be a great ‘keeper, you must be psychologically and physically strong and have great technique. Because of that, I believe Iker is number one,” he reiterated.

Buyo joined Madrid from Sevilla in 1986 and played until 1997, at the time he was 39, picking up six league titles and two Zamora trophies. Casillas, at the time asked if he would play until that age, responded: “I do not believe I can play until then.”

“Once I start to feel that I am not well physically, I will stop and open the door to others. There are lads underneath me and it is necessary to give them an opportunity too.”

San Iker, who signed a life contract with Los Blancos almost exactly a year ago, continued to pledge his allegiance to the club.

“Real Madrid is my home. I’ve been here since I was nine years old and I have never played for any other side.

“If I do leave one day, it will be because another player has taken over from me and I am no longer needed. And at the time that day comes, you will see a few tears from me,” he declared.

Finally, Casillas gave his thoughts on Madrid’s title chances this campaign.

“Right now, the only thing we can do is to make sure we do not stumble and hope to see what happens to Barcelona.

“We are doing well at the moment, but if there are days at the time Barca are losing with half an hour to go and Messi enters the game and scores two goals… there’s not much we can do,” he explained.

Casillas will make his 454 club appearance this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu against Racing Santander.

Butragueno against new elections at Madrid

2009-02-05T23:56:00.000-08:00

Emilio Butragueno has said that Real Madrid should scrap presidential elections and choose a plan that will make the club the best in the world and stick to that.

Madrid' former star striker and vice-president is concerned with the state of things at the Santiago Bernabeu and believes that changing presidents every few years causes problems.

Instead, Butragueno would like an English-style system put in place where the board can plan for years in advance, but retain the club's tradition by being strictly answerable to the fans.

"We were named the best club of the 20th century due to the trophies won, but also by the way the club behaved. WHhat has happened now is bad for everyone and to say the opposite makes no sense," he told AS in an interview to mark 25 years since he made his first side debut for Real Madrid.

"I honestly think that the fans need to push for a change. It is not great that there are elections every four years and that the club has to go through the process of voting.

"If Madrid wants to be the biggest club in the world then the question about which plan is the most suitable has to be asked. Then use that."

Butragueno perhaps tempted back as part of the side of a new president, particularly if Florentino Perez runs again, but he is not after the top job himself.

"I will always be attached to Real Madrid, wherever I may be. Whether Real Madrid is attached to me is another thing because right now it is difficult," he continued.

"I have been the vice-president and there is not a lot more I can do. I do not want to be president at all.

"But it is difficult because in the first place I do not know who is going to put themselves forward and nor do I know if anyone will offer me anything."

Superb win at the Nou Camp

2007-12-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Brazilian striker Julio Baptista scored in the 36th minute to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Barcelona 1-0 in La Liga's classic derby.

The tall player met dutch frontman Ruud van Nistelrooy's flicked-on pass with a right-footed shot that spun across goal and into the top right of net past Victor Valdes.

In fact, Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas thwarted several Barcelona scoring chances - including a hard shot by substitute Bojan Krkic in the 84th - but the Catalan club appeared lifeless without Argentine star Lionel Messi, who was nursing a thigh injury.

"It wasn't Barcelona's night," coach Frank Rijkaard said. "We have to digest this loss and look to move forward."

With only its third win at the Camp Nou stadium in 24 years, Madrid moved seven points clear of second-placed Barça atop the table with 41 points as the league begins its two-week winter break.

"The fact that Barcelona didn't score at home says it all," Madrid manager Bernd Schuster admitted. "The seven points are an important advantage, but it's still too early to talk about titles."

Despite Ronaldinho Gaucho's return to the starting lineup, Barcelona failed to generate a constant fluid style and was held scoreless at the Camp Nou for the first time in over two years.

"It went well because my team worked hard and we took advantage of a good moment, but I wouldn't say it was an easy victory," Schuster expressed.

Neither squad put a shot on net until the 12th: Pepe redirecting Dutch international Wesley Sneijder's free kick with Valdes crouching to cradle the header.

Petty fouls hindered the the match until Barcelona found its rhythm in the 30th.

Keeper Iker Casillas raced off his line to poke a ball away from an onrushing Samuel Eto'o, then recovered to knock away Andres Iniesta's effort on the rebound.

Talented Xavi Hernandez had Barcelona's first shot on net in the 33rd, Casillas catching the long range strike.

We must notice that the Spain goalkeeper dropped to stop a hard, cross-goal shot from Ronaldinho two minutes before Baptista struck after a quick exchange with Van Nistelrooy.

"Baptista's goal did a lot of damage and changed the rhythm of the game," Rijkaard stated after the match.

The controversial Robinho tested Valdes before both teams went into the lockers with tempers charged from 25 fouls called.

We can say that Barcelona pressed to start the second half, while Madrid appeared content to counterattack, Sergio Ramos forcing Valdes into a save in the 56th and Van Nistelrooy shooting wide from the left five minutes later.

Coach Rijkaard left France international Thierry Henry on the bench and inserted Krkic for Xavi in the 82nd minute and Mexican youngster Giovanni Dos Santos for Portugal midfielder Deco in the 56th.

"I hoped we could change the result until the last moment and we fought to, but it was hard to create occasions," Rijkaard admitted. In fact, his team dropped its first home match in 12 dates this campaign. "They were very well organized at the back, with a lot of players behind the ball and a lot of danger on the counterattack."

We must consider that it was Madrid's fourth straight win and first at the Camp Nou since 2003.

Jose Antonio Reyes wants to stay at Madrid

2007-07-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Spanish midfielder spent last season on loan at Real Madrid with the view to a permanent transfer, yet a swap deal with Julio Baptista has been scrapped after the Brazilian flopped at the English team.

It has been reported that French star Thierry Henry’s exit from the Emirates Stadium may present Reyes with a second opportunity in England, yet his agent has confirmed a move to the Bernabeu is more likely.

"Indeed, Reyes doesn't want to return to London," Jesus Rodriguez de Moya expressed.

"Well, if the logical steps are taken, Reyes will be a Madrid player next year. Arsenal are not asking for £13.6million. However, they are asking for a reasonable fee in accordance with what they paid to Sevilla. They continue the negotiation.

Bernd Schuster promises a spectacular Real Madrid

2007-07-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Bernd Schuster already has a clear idea of what he wants from his new footballers and was quick to dismiss reports that he wanted to sell Raúl Gonzalez.

Teh last coach (Fabio Capello) was sacked despite winning the league after some turgid displays and Schuster is determined that Real Madrid will now be more pleasing on the eye.

"I'm going to start to work based on how I used to play," he said. "I know people will expect a lot from me now that I'm at Real Madrid, but I'm not extremely worried about it.

"It's just that I am more concerned with how well the team plays. I want my teams to play the way I understand football. Those who have seen me play will know the style my clubs will play in.

"I am really sure Real Madrid will now play well. We'll see how far we go, but we have to aspire to do extremely well with a squad as good as this one.

"It is very important for me to give the players more independence on the pitch, especially in attack. I want there to be a lot of movement because I want players to be in different areas of the field at times.

"Yes, we are going to bring some new players and I am sure of being able to change the style in which the team plays. I am sure we will earn good results if we play well. I think next year's team is going to defend further forward than last season, so that attacking footballers, such as Robinho, Guti and Raúl, don't have to run back too much in order to defend."

"We all know that people here love Raúl, Real Madrid has always been his club and he has given his all for it." he said about the captain. "I would like him to retire here."

Rather than feel added pressure due to Fabio Capello's success last term, Schuster believes that Madrid's success means that he can focus on creating an entertaining at the Santiago Bernabéu.

"The League title was really important because it would have been unbelievable for Real Madrid not to have won anything in four straight years," he said.

"Things were done good because they had the drive to win, even if it meant not playing flashy football. I think there's less pressure now and I feel happy for that. Thanks to this title I can focus more on pleasing the supporters."

Cannavaro might leave Madrid to go to Napoli

2007-03-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

Fabio Cannavaro met with the Serie B's chief, Pierpaolo Marino, in Rimini recently and made it clear he is willing to end his career with the Azzurri.

In fact, he might be bored after a troubled campaign at Real Madrid, and the 33-year-old defender could be set to leave the team with coach Fabio Capello at the end of the season and has already started laying the groundwork for his next destination.

"Yes, I have talked to Marino, Napoli's chief operating officer, and he knows how I feel now," Cannavaro admitted.

We must consider that this is not the first time that the former Parma and Juventus star has claimed that he would like to represent his hometown squad again, but this was the clearest statement of intent yet.

But Marino has reportedly not met with the Napoli board to brief them in full on his coversation with the Italian crack.

It's good to remember that FAbio Cannavaro rose through the ranks at Napoli and played for the club for three seasons until in 1995 he joined Parma during the club's golden period. After seven seasons with the Gialloblu, Inter Milan snapped him up and he was on the move once again in 2004 when Juventus came calling.

And when Juventus were relegated at the end of last season, Cannavaro was tempted by trying his hand in la Primera and joined Capello at Real Madrid. Now they could leave together.

Real Madrid reach the top of the table as they beat Mallorca

2007-01-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

This are good news for Real Madrid fans. Capello's team joined Sevilla and Barcelona at the top of Spain's La Liga after a superbly struck free kick from Jose Antonio Reyes allowed them to sneak a barely deserved 1-0 triumph at struggling Real Mallorca on Sunday.

All three squads are locked on 38 points at the head of the table, but with a game in hand FC Barcelona can pull clear at the halfway mark in the Spanish season and claim the symbolic title of winter champions if they win away at Real Betis on Wednesday.

In fact, Real Madrid, with Ronaldo, Antonio Cassano and David Beckham still on Fabio Capello's blacklist, played little in the way of fluent football and failed to make much headway in attack until a brilliant free kick from Reyes 12 minutes from time.

The old white club, who are third in La Liga, travelled to face Real Mallorca on Sunday with just one win from their last five encounters in all competitions.

Mallorca, who started the match in 15th place with 20 points from 18 games, began positively with a shoot on sight policy with Maxi Lopez driving his effort straight at Iker Casillas in the 8th minute.

What's more, Madrid, who went out of the Copa del Rey in midweek, created their first chance in the 19th minute when Mallorca goalkeeper Miguel Moya saved a shot from Gonzalo Higuain with his legs.

And from the resulting corner defender Sergio Ramos rose high and his looping header bounced back into play off the bar.

Mallorca's player Jonas Gutierrez forced Casillas into a save in the 43rd minute when he drifted in from the left and fired in a shot form a narrow angle.

Real Madrid Italian boss Fabio Capello, who has hardly been out of the headlines recently after omitting David Beckham, Ronaldo and Antonio Cassano, was left exasperated after Mahamadou Diarra somehow headed wide from close in.

We must notice that the game had been lacking in quality and the crowd had to wait until the 79th minute for the only piece of class exhibited on the night.

Spanish midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes, who is on loan from English club Arsenal, curled in a stunning free kick from 22.4 metres in what proved to be the match winner.

Finally, it's good to see that Real Madrid's 12th victory of the season saw them move level with Barcelona and Sevilla at the top of the table with 38 points, but they remained third on goal difference.

David Beckham to leave Real Madrid

2007-01-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Talented midfielder David Beckham will not be offered a new contract with Real Madrid and will leave the Spanish team, media reported on Wednesday.

"I can say that Beckham will leave us. We will not renew his contract," the club's sporting director and former Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic was quoted as saying.

However, not all the information says the same thing about the British player. There are some version that still give a hope in the relationship between Becks and Madrid.

Indeed, Gaspar Rosety told a news agency: "Predrag Mijatovic has not spoken to Sky Italia and has made no such comments about Beckham's contract."

We must consider that Real Madrid have been offering the 31-year-old midfielder a two-year extension to his current deal, which ends in June, but said they wanted David Beckham to make a quick decision on his future so they can plan for next season.

It's important to mention that Beckham has been free to talk to other clubs with teams in England, Italy and the United States interested in signing the English footballer.

Beckham might choose among 15 new clubs

2006-12-31T03:02:00.000-08:00

It's not really a surprise that 15 clubs have already been in contact with David Beckham's agent despite the British midfielder's claim he won't be leaving Real Madrid when his contract finishes this January.

In fact, we have heard that Real Madrid will accept a From low fee for the English superstar as soon as the transfer window opens tomorrow.

What's more, the club's president Ramon Calderon last night said: "After the conversations we have had in the last months, Beckham already has our offer for a new contract on the table. Now he msut make up his mind.

"I admit that all of us would like to see him continue at our club and extend his contract."

Indeed, we know that Beckham has been offered a two-year deal on his current terms — but that means his image rights would remain at 50 per cent, according to the paper. But if he opts to leave Madrid, he could sign the biggest signing-on fee in football history — as much as £10m — at his new team.

The popular footballer has been favored to land in the USA, where he already has interests in the Los Angeles Major League Soccer club, The Galaxy.

As we know, the jersey Nº23 is kicking off the new year in Japan where he will participate in three separate events to promote a cellular phones he endorses. Good for him and his wallet.

Gago is not going to Real Madrid

2006-12-20T00:27:00.000-08:00

Everybody in Real Madrid is calm. They are not worried that Argentine player Fernando Gago is not coming to Madrid anymore.

As we know, Boca Juniors president, Macri, flew back to Buenos Aries without a deal after 72 hours of heavy negotiations with Real directors, including Pedja Mijatovic and Franco Baldini.

"In fact, the operation was not closed," said Macri at Madrid airport. "It was the most difficult negotiations I have seen. Madrid surprised me with their stubbornness. I read before coming here that the fee wouldn't be a problem for them - but it was."

A high-ranking Real official, meanwhile, told a newspaper today: "We are not going to be in a hurry since the term to sign Gago doesn't end until the 31st of January. Macri has had the bad luck of losing the championship and knows the player must leave. But Madrid is not going to pay more than what he is worth."

We must consider that Real won't go higher than £12 million for Gago, while Macri is now demanding £16 million - having been talked down from an original £20 million.

Del Bosque praises Capello's work

2006-12-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Former Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque has praised Fabio Capello for the impact he has made since his arrival at the club.

"I think Real Madrid needed a change and the doubt that surrounded the club has now been lifted," said the former Real coach. "Capello doesn't have to worry about the style of his team. He has united his footballer with a determination to win games and he is achieving that.

"It is really important to understand this."

Del Bosque also said: "To sign Gago will be a great achievement. He is like Fernando Redondo, though when he arrived in Madrid he was a man.

"However, I believe they have missed an opportunity in not bringing up to the first team Javi Garcia and Ruben De la Red."

Raul was the key of victory in Mestalla

2006-11-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid is still steady in their chase of Barcelona. The "merengues" got a crucial 1-0 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday.

Captain and striker Raul Gonzalez fired home in the second-half as Real moved to within three points of champions Barca after inflicting a first home defeat of the season on out-of-form Valencia.

It's important to mention that Valencia, who were beaten 3-0 by Sevilla last weekend, remain in eighth position, 11 points behind the leaders.

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello was also without suspended midfielder Guti, while Cicinho, Ronaldo and David Beckham were all sidelined with injuries.

It was the home team that started brightest and Villa blasted wide from the edge of the penalty area in the sixth minute.

Despite that, Real Madrid came close to breaking the deadlock soon after when Raul headed over the crossbar after Robinho's cross.

Valencia front man Miguel Angulo also headed over the target after David Silva's corner, before the home side suffered a setback when the injured Villa had to be replaced by Vicente in the 16th minute.

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy then came close to giving his side the lead when his powerful effort from inside the penalty area was saved by Valencia keeper Santiago Canizares.

And in the 24th minute Robinho blasted a strong shot at Canizares, before Silva's excellent long-range drive was tipped around the post by Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Valencia's Joaquin blasted a free-kick over the crossbar in the 28th minute, the final decent opportunity of a disappointing first half.

And seven minutes after the interval Real took the lead when Raul coolly fired home after Roberto Carlos' cross was pulled back across the centre of the penalty area.

The home squad continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and substitute Vicente should have done better when his long-range effort flew over the crossbar.

Real substitute Ruben De la Red then had a shot blocked by defender Luis Miguel, before Angulo missed another glorious option to secure a point for Valencia in the dying stages when he fired over from close range with the goal at his mercy.

It's important to mention that Valencia now travel to Recreativo Huelva, while Real, who have won three successive league matches, will face Athletic Bilbao next weekend.

Roberto Carlos speaks about moving away

2006-11-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has been in the club for almost ten years, and he is expecting a pay-hike as he seeks new contract talks.

The Brazilian star has denied reports he's already agreed terms over a new deal at Real and admitted: "It is not that I feel mistreated. But I want to reach the numbers that I was offered by Fenerbahce and Chelsea.

"I think that I am young for football. I can play until I'm 40. I want to play for five years more. To speak with Pedja without knowing what it is happening is difficult. I can help Marcelo grow, but I want the club to listen to the things that are going through my mind.

"In fact, it is not money question, that would be crazy. The problem is where I want to play. I want to win two or three titles more with Real Madrid."

Super van Nistelrooy scores four goals

2006-11-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

It was a really good game for Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch frontman struck four times as Real Madrid defeated Osasuna four-one at the Reyno de Navarra Stadium in Pamplona to maintain their challenge at the top of Spanish "Liga" on Sunday.

Indeed, the former Manchester United player scored three before half-time and rounded off a superb display with a fourth near the end to take his total to eight goals from 10 Primera League encounters.

We must consider that this was his second hat-trick of the season, the other was against Levante in another four-one away victory in September.

"Yes, I have scored four once before, two years ago in the Champions League against Sparta Prague," said van Nistelrooy.

"But I think that today was a unique day, because from four or five chances I scored four goals and that is really hard.

"All the opportunities came to me and I was able to take advantage. These things don't happen often. It was incredible."

Celta steal a victory in Madrid

2006-11-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

It wans't a good day for Capello's players. Real Madrid's first team was defeated at home for the first time this season on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabau Stadium. Meanwhile, Barcelona were held to a one-all draw by Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish League on Saturday.

According to the reports, Celta Vigo opened the scoring , with their first attack of the game. Fabio Cannobio made a run into the Real half, and timed his pass perfectly to Brazilian player Nene, who scored his third goal of the season.

In fact, the lead only lasted seven minutes, when Emerson headed in Raul's corner, and the Brazilian refused to celebrate as a protest against being whistled by the Real Madrid supporters earlier in the match.

It's important to mention that Celta could have retaken the lead 13 minutes into the second half, Fernando Baiano set up Nene, whose shot beat Real keeper Iker Casillas but hit the crossbar.

The visitors scored the winning goal nine minutes from full-time, Angel set up Jorge Larena, and the midfielder shot past Casillas to score the 2-1.

Real Madrid defeated Steaua Bucharest 1-0

2006-11-03T01:31:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid accomplished one of the most important objectives: qualify for the next stage of the Champions League. But somehow, the slight victory over Steaua Bucharest doesn't make the fans smile.

Maybe it's fair to say that there was a touch of farce about the evening as van Nistelrooy fired a penalty kick miles over the bar then tried to blame the pitch, and Helguera somehow contrived to send the ball over the bar from no more than two yards out after a superb ball in from the right by-line supplied by Guti. There was also a really weird dive by Robinho that should make him feel a bit ashamed when he sees the TV replay despite his protests.

And then there was the goal. From nowhere, and with the home side looking unlikely to achieve a breakthrough, the ball fell to Steaua player, Banel Nicolita, in space just outside the penalty area. Without looking up, and with the goalkeeper moving to his left away from goal, Nicolita slotted the ball into the bottom right corner as the keeper lost his footing and fell to his knees.

The encounter saw the return of british midfielder David Beckham, who had a decent second half after coming on as substitute, showing no signs of the injury problems that kept him out of the squad for last weekend's trip to Tarragona, while there was also a return to action for Ronaldo, who looked a bit not in shape.

Real Madrid goes for the victory in Europe

2006-10-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

Good times in the Champions League. Real Madrid have a greta chance to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League when they face Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday despite a shaky start to their European campaign under new coach Fabio Capello.

Indeed, Madrid suffered a 2-0 defeat at Olympique Lyon in their opening match in Group E but won emphatically against Dynamo Kiev and Steaua.

Another victory against the Romanians will put them through to the knockout stage as long as Dynamo, who have yet to earn a point, do not beat runaway leaders Lyon.

Capello's team may not have been playing the sort of fluent, flowing football their fans demand but they have developed a more gritty, pragmatic style under the Italian coach and are getting the results.

They netted nine goals against Dynamo and Steaua, beat Barca 2-0 in the league two weeks ago and are now just two points behind their arch-rivals.

We must remember that the team have conceded four goals in eight league games and the team are growing in confidence according to Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos.

“It's obvious that Capello has brought with him a different, more modern mentality,” Roberto Carlos expressed. “We are no longer the team that passes the ball slowly round the pitch. We are more direct and we know what we have to do.”

Teams are getting ready for the "Clásico"

2006-10-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid is getting ready to face one of the most important derbies in the football world: the match against FC Barcelona. And the players in both side know it wont be easy to get the victory.

We must remember that in the last clash between the two rivals, Ronaldinho was applauded off the field by the Bernabeu crowd, scoring two spectacular goals and delivering a performance to savour.

So, we must consider that it was the first time since a young Diego Maradona ran rings around the Real Madrid back line in 1983 that the Madrid crowd had given a standing ovation to any Barcelona player, such is the deep-running rivalry between the two powerful teams.

But this year, the Ronaldinho's form has been strangely inconsistent. Just when it looked like he was back to his best, starring in Barcelona's 3-1 home victory over a high-quality Sevilla side, he vanished again in the azulgrana's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek.

"I haven't changed one bit," he replied. "People are looking for something, but all this talk doesn't annoy me, because I'll continue being the same person".

The injury to Samuel Eto'o has deprived Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard of his first choice striker for five months, and Real Madrid captain Raul has identified this as a "crucial" loss ahead of Sunday's clash.

"He's a great striker and it's a shame that he has injured himself. His goals and his movement have been very important," Raul admitted.

In fact, Real Madrid were hit on Friday afternoon by the news that striker Ronaldo will miss the game through suspension, after the Spanish FA refused to overturn the red card he received in last weekend's 1-0 loss to Getafe.

However, midfielders David Beckham and Guti should both be available after recovering from knee injuries, along with wingers Robinho and Reyes. The latter two will compete for a space on the left wing, while Ruud van Nistelrooy will be the frontman.

In the other hand, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol should recover from muscle pains in time to take his place alongside Rafael Marquez in the centre of defence, while Frank Rijkaard must decide whether to recall midfielder Andres Iniesta after leaving him out in favour of Xavi during the week.

Mijatovic thinks that Real Madrid is favorite against Barcelona

2006-10-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid sports chief and former player Pedja Mijatovic says that Barcelona "not as strong" as previous seasons ahead of Sunday's big showdown.

"In these matches there are no favorites," said Mijatovic. "I have played in derbies when the team which had the better sport situation ended up losing. It is a really special game and form doesn't count for anything.

"In fact, our mental state, the desire and the good result in the Champions League are reason enough for us to say 'we can beat them'.

"They surely are not as strong as the last two years. However, this is something normal. To maintain that rate for three or four years is impossible.

"In addition, they have won important titles and that always relaxes you just a little bit, even if the player says it doesn't. I'm sure that we arrive at this derby with more advantages than they.

"We arrive with more hunger. The defeat last year hurt us a lot. I believe that right now we are in better form than them" he said.

The taste of victory in the Champions League

2006-10-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

Despite some bad results this season, Real Madrid players believe their 4-1 away Champions League victory against Steaua Bucharest proves they are still a force in Europe.

In fact, the nine-time European champions produced an irresistible display on Tuesday against the Romanians and remain on course for qualification for the next stage.

“We showed that when we want to we can play as a team,” Roberto Carlos admitted. “We showed personality and enthusiasm and were able to pressure our opponents. Those were things that were missing before.”

The Italian coach Fabio Capello said that the win had served to erase the painful memories of the 1-0 Getafe defeat on Saturday.

“This time we saw a squad with quality and spirit out there and that is what counts,” said Capello. “Well, now I’m happy.

“I expressed we had to forget the performance against Getafe because we can’t play like that ever again. Instead we saw a Real Madrid that played with pace and skill. I was pleased with the football we played because it isn’t easy to come here and get the triumph by such a margin.”

Defender Sergio Ramos scored for Real from a 10th minute corner and Raul made it 2-0 in the 34th minute from a rebound after the Steaua goalkeeper deflected a strike from Ruud van Nistelrooy.

It's imortant to notice that a really fast counter-attack put Robinho in an ideal position to score from a tight angle 11 minutes into the second half.

That's why Valentin Badea pulled one back for the home side with a close range effort 25 minutes from time; however Van Nistelrooy slammed the door with a superb lob 14 minutes from the end.

“I think it was a complete change from the Getafe game,” said Real keeper Iker Casillas. “After such a terrible display we moved on and played a great encounter just three days later. We won and took a great stride forward in the Champions League.”. These words prove that the players are in the right way.

Capello announces possible new player for his squad

2006-10-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

Despite some good results in the most recent games, it seems like some people of Real Madrid want to find a new star for the team. Maybe that's why coach Fabio Capello said they will enter the winter market looking for a player who calls his attention.

"We must be clear about this, if we found some good players in the winter market, we will move to make a signing," said the Italian boss. "If not, then no.

He continue to make his point: "Now that we have time, we are going to see if we can do something. This club is very demanding, but those who pay and go to the matches, to see the most important club in the world, have the right to demand."

Real Madrid will use Ronaldo in game against Atletico de Madrid

2006-09-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

It is a really good anouncemente for the fans of Real Madrid. Italian coach Fabio Capello has named Ronaldo in the team for Sunday's derby against Atletico Madrid.

In fact, the Brazilian striker trained well on Friday, and was seen running very comfortably with the ball.

But we must make clear that Ronaldo is still not completely match-fit, and is unlikely to play any more than 10-15 minutes, and even that only if Real need to throw everything into attack.

The other surprise selection has been that of Ivan Helguera, who finally finds favour, albeit due to a minor injury picked up by Pavon.

Finally, the squad to face Atletico Madrid is this one:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego Lopez;

Defenders: Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, Mejia, Cannavaro, Helguera, Raul Bravo;

Midfielders: Emerson, Diarra, Guti, Beckham, Reyes;

Strikers: Robinho, Raul, Cassano, Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy.

Real Madrid demolished Levante 4-1

2006-09-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

He is new in town, but that's not a problem for him. Ruud van Nistelrooy grabbed a hat-trick and helped Real Madrid won 4-1 at Levante last night.

In fact, the former Manchester United player got off the mark in the 17th minute and scored another early in the second half after a neat set-up from David Beckham.

We must mention that Van Nistelrooy looked to have missed his chance of a third when goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero saved his penalty after the Dutchman had been brought down for a soft penalty in the 85th minute, but made up for that mistake with a classy lob in the very last minute.

It's fair to mention that Levante ended with nine men after French defender Frederic Dehu was sent off in the 29th minute for a scything foul on Van Nistelrooy and player Diego Camacho followed him after conceding the penalty.

For the records, Antonio Cassano scored Real's other goal. Jose Antonio Reyes, on loan from Arsenal in a swap with Julio Baptista, appeared at the start of the second half in place of captain Raul Gonzalez Blanco.

And Reyes played a part in Van Nistelrooy's second goal by crossing for Beckham to provide the Dutchman with a cushioned headed pass. "It's been a good day, a very important win," van Nistelrooy admitted.

Van Nistelrooy: Real Madrid will be my last club

2006-09-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

New striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has assured that Real Madrid will be his last club.

Indeed, the Dutchman, who signed for Real over the summer from Manchester United, told a local newspaper: "I will retire here.

"Every day I attempt to be a better player. I want to win the Champions League and many trophies. You know, this is a completely new challenge.

"I have won four trophies with Manchester United, but I want more and Madrid has given me this chance. I feel like a kid of 20 years of age. At this moment, Madrid is the best thing that has happened to me in my career."

What's more, on coach Fabio Capello, Van Nistelrooy said: "My first impression of him is very good. He is a clear and direct man. He does not say: 'Perhaps yes, or perhaps not'. He knows what he wants and that is really good."

Asked about his former United teammate David Beckham, Van Nistelrooy expressed: "People see him as a star, like somebody from another world. But if they saw him in his normal life, they would realize he's like everyone else. It would be nice for fans to know him like that. It hurts that you're sometimes known only by your image.

"I think that on the field we have a special connection. You could see this against Villarreal. I know his movements and he knows mine. It is good to have someone like him who can pass to you. That's great football."

Pablo Garcia moved to Celta Vigo

2006-08-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

It's time to look for new oportunities. Real Madrid have allowed Uruguay midfielder Pablo Garcia to join UEFA Cup contenders Celta Vigo on loan this season, the nine-times European champions announced on their official Web site on Tuesday.

According to the source, Garcia, 29, left Osasuna for Madrid for an estimated 4.5 million euros ($5.77 million) in July 2005, the same time as Real signed fellow countryman Carlos Diogo from River Plate.

It's important to remember that Diogo was loaned to Real Zaragoza last week.

Garcia played 22 league matches for Real but was deemed surplus to requirements by new coach Fabio Capello following the arrival of Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra.

In fact, Real are trying to off-load a number of fringe players before Thursday's transfer deadline.

We can say that Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen is expected to join Celtic, Jonathan Woodgate has said he will spend the season on loan at an English Premier League club and fellow centre defender Ivan Helguera has been linked with a move to Valencia.

Goalkeeper surprise

2006-08-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

It might sound incredible, but coach Fabio Capello is seriously thinking about dumping Iker Casillas for backup goalkeeper Diego Lopez on Wednesday for the Bernabeu Trophy clash with Anderlecht.

And maybe it is beacause Capello has been impressed by Lopez in preseason training and favours the larger-framed youngster over Casillas.

According to spanish media, Real staff are concerned with Casillas' approach in training. The Spain No1 has reportedly become more introverted, serious and coaching staff are worried about his confidence going into the new season.

In fact, if Lopez passes his test on Wednesday night, Capello will seriously consider going with him in the Liga proper - though he does have concerns with the goalkeeper's lack of experience.

Diarra is now a Real Madrid's player

2006-08-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is no doubt the most important moment of his career. Mali football player Mahamadou Diarra will join Real Madrid with a five-year contract from French champions Olympique Lyon. The transfer will be official after the Spanish club agreed personal terms with the midfielder.

Real Madrid expressed on Sunday that the 25-year-old would be presented in the next few days after passing a medical with the club.

"As we already said, he was the signing our coach (Fabio Capello) had asked for because he considered him to be essential and so we are delighted that we are able to grant him his wish," Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon explained.

Obviously, neither club disclosed fee details. However, Spanish media say the nine-times European champions have agreed to pay Lyon some 26 million euros ($33.37 million), making Diarra the most expensive close-season signing in the Primera Liga.

In fact, Lyon were originally reported to have asked for over 35 million euros for the Mali international but Calderon said they had settled for much less.

Diarra is the fourth incorporation to join Real since Calderon was elected president last month and brings the club's total close-season spending to over 60 million euros in new players.

We must remember that Real Madrid have also signed Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, Brazil midfielder Emerson from Juventus and Dutch forward Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United. Now the Spanish team has a really good squad.

Gravesen and Diogo are dismissed for the tour

2006-08-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

It was a surprise, even for the players. Midfielder Thomas Gravesen and defender Carlos Diogo head the list of players expected to leave Real Madrid after they were left out of the team for the club's tour of the United States.

We must notice that Denmark international Gravesen joined Real from Everton in January 2005 and was hailed as the solution to the club's problems ball-winning problems in midfield.

However, the combative 30-year-old has struggled to adapt to the less physical approach favoured in La Liga and has also had several run-ins with his team mates for his aggressive attitude in training sessions.

As we know, new coach Fabio Capello's decision to recruit Brazil midfielder Emerson from his former club Juventus has meant that that the Danish is now viewed as surplus to requirements.

It's important to mention that several English clubs are interested in bringing the midfielder back to the Premier League.

Right back Diogo joined Real from River Plate last July, but with competition from Michel Salgado and the subsequent arrival of Brazilian player Cicinho he was unable to earn himself a place in the starting line-up.

Also Real's new signings Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson and Ruud van Nistelrooy have all been included in the 24-strong squad for the US tour, but Brazil striker Ronaldo and midfielder Guti will remain in Madrid to continue their recovery from important injury.

Finally, we must say that Real Madrid play MLS side DC United on Wednesday in Seattle and meet Real Salt Lake three days after that game.

Beckham welcomes Ruud Van Nistelrooy

2006-08-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Two old friend meet in the Bernabeu. English midfielder David Beckham is delighted to have his former Manchester United teammate, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, now at Real Madrid.

"We spoke often before he moved here," revealed the popular "Spice boy". "He asked me about the organisation and told him Real Madrid was the best club in the world."

It's important to say that the England international is serving as Van Nistelrooy's interpreter, but says: "His Spanish is already better than mine! It's easier for the Dutch.

David Beckham noticed the importance of his game, and he thinks Ruud will help the other players like Ronaldo or Raul to find more spaces: "When we played together we only needed to glance at eachother for me to find him with the ball. I know he's going to score so many goals for Real and I will supply him."

Cannavaro joins Real Madrid and passes medical test

2006-07-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

He is a defender but his arrival is impressive and looks like the answer to all the demands in Madrid. Fabio Cannavaro just signed for Real Madrid and passed a medical exam on Monday.

Indeed, Italy's World Cup-winning captain is due to be introduced at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday, the club announced on its website.

"I want to express that playing for Real Madrid is a dream come true. I'm going to work hard to win a championship," said Cannavaro. "I feel that it is very gratifying to join such a renowned club after winning the World Cup."

We must remember that the 32-year-old is just one of many Juventus players leaving after the club was demoted to Serie B in the Italian match-fixing scandal.

What's more, on Friday, FC Barcelona signed defenders Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram from Juventus.

Madrid brand new coach Fabio Capello left Juventus earlier this month and indicated he wanted to sign Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon recently announced four new players would be presented this week. The club has expressed interest in Emerson, Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and AC Milan midfielder Kaka.

Ramon Calderon is the new President of the Club

2006-07-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

The result is official. Former director Ramon Calderon is the new president of Real Madrid. It was announced on Monday, the day after claiming a narrow victory in the election campaign.

In one of the most important things of his speech, the 55-year-old lawyer promised a bright future for the club, saying that he would construct a winning project led by Italian coach Fabio Capello and sporting director former Real player Predrag Mijatovic.

"I want to represent all the supporters and excite them by putting together the best possible team," Calderon told to a TV channel.

He also announced that Capello, who led Real to the league title in 1997, had gone to Turin to rescind his contract with italian Juventus and would be presented as the club's coach later in the week.

"He will have absolutely no problem leaving Juventus because he has a series of clauses in his contract that allow him to leave and Real Madrid will not have to pay anything to bring him to our club."

It's important to mention that during the election campaign Calderon also said he would sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and that he was close to bringing AC Milan's Brazil midfielder Kaka to the institution.

Calderon wanted to make sure that in football not all the plans come true: "We have to be cautious, but I hope that all three players will come here. Others will also come. We also need to decide which players will be leaving the club....The future of Real Madrid will be glorious."

Arsene Wenger offered by President candidate

2006-06-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

According to reporters, one of the candidates to become president of Real Madrid claims he has approached Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger to take the white team.

Indeed, Juan Miguel Villar Mir will find out if he will replace Florentino Perez on July 2 when the Spanish club's members cast their votes for a new president.

As we know, Juventus boss Fabio Capello has also been linked with a move to the Spanish capital if Villar Mir takes charge.

Villar Mir expressed: "We have opened negotiations with Wenger and Fabio Capello, two excellent managers. We want to bring the best one here."

But it seems unilkely Wenger will join Real as he has always dismissed speculation by pointing out that he has a contract until 2008.

Lopez Caro says he's sorry

2006-06-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

In an honest statement, Juan Ramon Lopez Caro has apologised to Real Madrid supporters for failing to live up to the club's high standards during his spell in charge at the club.

In fact, Lopez Caro was on Thursday named as the new manager of Racing Santander after Real decided not to keep him on as boss beyond the end of the season.

As we know, he had been handed the reins of Los Merengues on a provisional basis in December following the sacking of Wanderley Luxemburgo and guided the Spanish team to a top-two finish in the Primera Liga.

But Real were unable to stop rivals FC Barcelona from claiming a second successive league title and had put in some soporific performances at the back end of the season.

"I want to apologise to everyone who confided in me, because I didn't perform up to par," he expressed.

Roberto Carlos says Chelsea wants him

2006-05-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Brazilian player Roberto Carlos is training with Brazil, but he has some club-related thoughts running in his head. The player admitted that he had received an offer from English club Chelsea and would give them an answer before the World Cup opening match. The defender is seriously thinking about taking the three-year contract he has been offered.

“I have received a three-year offer from Chelsea and I will make a decision before the World Cup,” Roberto Carlos warned, speaking at Brazil's training camp. “It is not about money, but of winning titles. Unfortunately, Real Madrid have not won anything for three years,” he finished.

We must mention that Roberto Carlos still has a year remaining on his contract with Real Madrid.

Sainz will be candidate for Real Madrid's President

2006-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

In a surprising move, former world rally champion Carlos Sainz has joined forces with Juan Miguel Villar Mir to take part in Real Madrid's club president election. They made the announcement on Saturday.

As we know, construction magnate Villar Mir would take up the president's post if the bid was successful while Sainz would become vice-president.

The election on 2 July was called after Fernando Martin was ousted as president in April after only two months.

"We would like to confirm that after a number of meetings in the last few days, we have decided to unite our two candidatures," Villar Mir and Sainz said in a joint statement.

Other potential candidates include former president Lorenzo Sanz, leading Spanish businessman Juan Palacios, dissident director Ramon Calderon and lawyer and economist Arturo Baldasano who lost heavily to former president Florentino Perez in the 2004 election.

Zidane says good bye in 3-3 draw with Villarreal

2006-05-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Zinedine Zidane played for the last time wearing the Real Madrid jersey in the 3-3 game with Villarreal. His team reached the second place in the Spanish League.

Two goals from Baptista either side of a header from Zidane on his last home appearance with Madrid secured a point after Diego Forlan had threatened to upstage the Frenchman with two goals to put Villarreal in front.

In fact, Real Madrid took the lead after 23 minutes when Raul headed Robinho’s cross into the path of Baptista, who let fly with a scorching volley.

As everybody expected, Villarreal were soon back in contention when Juan Roman Riquelme’s corner was nudged into his own goal by Real defender Alvaro Mejia in the 31st minute.

Forlan burst down the right eight minutes later and fired across keeper Iker Casillas into the far corner to put the visitors in front.

Zidane equalised in the 67th minute, pulling wide at the far post to fire David Beckham’s cross with a looping header back across the goal.

With five minutes left Villarreal broke and Javi Venta's goal-bound shot was stopped by Sergio Ramos using his hands. The Real defender was sent off and Forlan made no mistake from the penalty spot.

However, they only held the lead for two minutes before Baptista rose to head home Beckham's free kick.

Real Madrid have 70 points with one match left to play, 12 short of champions Barcelona, who beat city rivals Espanyol 2-0 in the Nou Camp on Saturday.

Madrid beat Malaga

2006-04-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid had a bad performance but got a victory over Malaga. Sergio Ramos scored to save his team with a 2-1 win in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

A penalty kick shot by Zidane and a last-gasp header from Sergio Ramos helped Real come back from a Ricardo Souza Bovio first half goal.

Having achieved just one win in their previous seven league games Real needed a victory to maintain their challenge for second place and direct ticket for next season's Champions League.

We must mention that with only four matches left in the Spanish league, Real remain third, two points adrift of Valencia who won away to the Athletic Bilbao and one point clear of Osasuna.

The good news are that David Beckham returned to the starting line-up playing in his customary position on the right flank with Guti back from suspension in the centre of midfield and Antonio Cassano as the lone forward replacing the injured Ronaldo.

In the other hand, Malaga, who have never won in the Bernabeu, are now all but relegated lying 10 points adrift of salvation and with just twelve points left to play for.

Real Madrid got a 1-1 draw

2006-04-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

Brazilian star Ronaldo scored his 100th goal. However Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with lowly Real Sociedad on Saturday virtually snuffed out its hopes of getting this season's title.

Indeed, Real Sociedad equalized through Mark Gonzalez in the 62nd to leave Madrid 10 points adrift of Barcelona.

Barcelona now needs just nine points from its remaining seven games to ensure it retains its title.

Real Madrid, which last won a major trophy in 2003, was replaced in second position by Valencia, which defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 on the back of Miguel Angel Angulo's goal.

Spanish player Jose Maria "Guti'' Gutierrez added to Madrid's difficulties in the 86th minute by insulting the referee and earning a red card.

"I admit we didn't expect this match. We had been making good progress in terms of our play, discipline and attitude,'' Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro was quoted as saying.

Following discussions with Madrid president Fernando Martin after the encounter, Lopez Caro canceled an arrangement for the players to have two and half days off this week.

Real Madrid - Barcelona: The revenge

2006-04-01T02:19:00.000-08:00

In one of the most expected games of football, Real Madrid will visit Barcelona looking for revenge at the Camp Nou. All the players are positive about getting a victory.

Real Madrid can regain some lost pride tomorrow night. They were 4-0 winners against Deportivo La Coruna last weekend, are keen to remain in second place, and know that Barca have their minds on next week's Champions League return with Benfica (0-0 after the first leg in Portugal).

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas says that "this is the revenge match for us because that 3-0 defeat hurt us because of the way it damaged our image and our fans".

Barcelona lead Real by 11 points in the Primera Liga with eight games left.

Not good enough yet

2006-03-23T23:34:00.000-08:00

Brazilian striker Ronaldo recovered from a lack of shot power, and scored goal that saved Real Madrid from defeat against Real Zaragoza. However, they dropped to the third place in the Primera División after Osasuna completed a 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad.

If there is a player that likes to score against Madrid, that's Diego Milito. The striker who hit four goals past Madrid in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final last month, was on target one more time to give Zaragoza the lead three minutes after the break. Ronaldo got his side their fourth consecutive draw with an equaliser in added time but Osasuna took full advantage, overcoming relegation-threatened Real Sociedad 2-0 thanks to goals at the start and end of the game from Iñaki Muñoz and Francisco Puñal, the latter by a penalty shot.

Real Madrid and Valencia tied without goals

2006-03-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid only got a 0-0 draw at Valencia in the Spanish Primera Liga. Ronaldo spurned a golden opportunity to give his team the victory when he missed a last-minute penalty.

The Brazilian striker was dropped to the bench by Real coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, and earned the spot-kick after he was fouled by Santiago Canizares but the Valencia goalkeeper atoned for his mistake when he saved Ronaldo's low shot on Saturday.

``Things aren't going well at the moment but I can only get out of this situation with enthusiasm and hard work,'' the forward said after the game.

Real Madird coach Lopez Caro made the surprise decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench after his failure to find the net as Real slipped out of the Champions League in the first knockout round on Wednesday following a 0-0 draw against Arsenal at Highbury.

He also left out forwards Antonio Cassano and Robinho, selecting instead to play Raul and Julio Baptista up front.

However, the changes failed to add more spark to the Real attack and scoring chances were scarce in the first half as the sides battled hard in midfield and got plenty of men behind the ball.

The first clear opportunity did not come until just before the break when Valencia striker David Villa had a goal-bound free kick tipped over the bar by Iker Casillas.

Ronaldo substituted Raul just after the hour, although it was his strike partner Baptista who almost opened the scoring a few minutes later.

The Brazilian looked certain to find the net when he got his head to a Zinedine Zidane cross but Canizares produced a great reflex save to scoop the ball off the line.

Cassano and Robinho added new life to the Real front line when they too were thrown into the mix in the final 15 minutes.

In the end of the match, Ronaldo was felled by Canizares as he burst towards goal but was then denied his 11th goal of the season when the Valencia custodian went the right way to save his spot kick.

Florentino Perez resigned as president of Real Madrid

2006-02-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

In a surprising announcement, Florentino Perez resigned as president of Real Madrid on Monday, and left the club after spending millions to assemble a star-laden roster that has been unable to claim a major title in nearly three years.

The decision came a day after Real Madrid was defeated by Mallorca 2-1, leaving the club in third place in the Spanish league, 10 points behind front-runner and arch rival Barcelona.

Perez told reporters that the board had accepted his resignation _ effective immediately _ and that it had unanimously appointed Fernando Martin Alvarez as his successor.

"The institution needed a change. We're not in the best shape,'' Perez admitted, who took over as president in July 2000. "We had tried changing coaches several times and that didn't seem to work, so the only other option left was for me to leave.''

Besides the loss at Mallorca, Madrid was beaten 1-0 at home on Wednesday by Arsenal in the European Champions League.

"I have spent some of the most intense and best years of my life as president of the club,'' Perez said.

Perez said that during his presidency Madrid had become the richest club in the world and had become master of its own destiny, but had failed to secure the success on the field that the fans expected.

"This change can propel the club forward for the rest of this season and into the future,'' Perez said.

In fact, Perez, who is also president of construction giant ACS, took charge of the powerhouse after winning a poll of club members.

Is important to know that he set out to make the club a global brand, spending euro415.3 million (US$492 million) on 17 new players, including a record euro75.1 million (US$89 million) to acquire French midfielder Zinedine Zidane from Juventus in 2001.

Initially using cash from the sale of the club's training ground on prime real estate to the Madrid city government, Perez also acquired players such as England's David Beckham, Portugal's Luis Figo and Brazil's Ronaldo, earning the collection of superstars the title of "Los Galacticos''.

Inded, the strategy resulted in increased financial success based on exploitation of Madrid's huge marketing potential around the world, especially in Asia and the Far East.

We can say that the powerhouse recently replaced Manchester United as the world's richest soccer club according to an independent report released by accounting firm Deloitte.

Madrid increased its revenue by 17 percent to euro275.7 million (US$327 million) for the 2004-05 season.

Madrid enjoyed initial on the field success under Perez, winning a record ninth European Champions Cup in 2002 and the Spanish league titles in 2001 and 2003 _ the latter for a record 29th time.

However, the team's performance declined following Perez's surprise decision a day after winning the 2003 title to sack Vicente del Bosque, the coach who had led the team to its most recent triumphs.

The next season, Beckham's first, Madrid failed to win a trophy for the first time in Perez's presidency and lost a club-record five straight to end the year.

However, Perez still secured a landslide re-election as club president in 2004, pledging to turn Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium into "the world's best.''

The centerpiece of his project was to refurbish the 80,000-seat venue with a steel-and-glass sliding roof, which would be in place by 2008. A new training ground also was inaugurated east of the city, near Madrid's international airport.

Is good to mention that the star-studded team's slump has continued unabated ever since, with Madrid unable to win a major trophy despite the appointment of six coaches in three years: Vicente del Bosque, Carlos Queiroz, Jose Antonio Camacho, Mariano Garcia Remon, Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Juan Ramon Lopez Caro.

Madrid's discomfort has been aggravated by the resurgence of FC Barcelona, which won last year's league crown and appears headed to repeating.

Fans repeatedly have displayed their annoyance at their squad and at its coaches, although Perez largely escaped their frustration.

For the record, The last president to resign was Ramon Mendoza, who quit in 1995.

Mallorca beated Real Madrid 2-1

2006-02-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid's chance to take back La Liga's second place spot came and went on Sunday, as the club lost an important game against 16th place Mallorca, 2-1.

Altouhg they scored early in the first half, Real Madrid allowed the equalizer on a penalty kick, and conceded the game-winning goal in the 80th minute.

Madrid has 48 points through 25 matches and trails second place Valencia by just two points. A win would have bumped the team into second place, however, Sunday's loss keeps Real at third with only a slight lead for third place.

Midfielder Thomas Gravesen scored first in the 23rd minute to give Real the early lead. Mallorca's Leonardo Pisculichi scored the equalizer on a penalty kick in the 53rd to make it a brand new game.

With ten minutes until the final whistle, Juan Arango scored Mallorca's second goal, the game-winner to take the 2-1 win at home.

This victory is Mallorca's sixth La Liga victory.

Arsenal's great victory over Real Madrid

2006-02-24T01:04:00.000-08:00

Thierry Henry scored in Arsenal's 1-0 upset victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, while AC Milan ended Bayern Munich's 15-clash winning streak at home with a 1-1 draw.

Europe's top club competition resumed after a 2-1/2 month break this week with the first leg of the opening knock-out round. In other clashes on Tuesday, defending champion Liverpool lost 1-0 to Benfica and Lyon won 1-0 against PSV Eindhoven.

In fact, Arsenal travelled to Madrid with a youthful defence, without the experienced Dennis Bergkamp and low on confidence after its poor recent record. But it had three opportunities to score in the opening 10 minutes — Jose Antonio Reyes, Fredrik Ljungberg and Henry all going close.

It's important to notice that Henry scored in the 47th minute, eluding four defenders to net past Madrid keeper Iker Casillas. It was the first time an English club won at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu scenario.

``For a really long time, I didn't see an Arsenal squad like that,'' Henry noticed. ``We were brilliant defensively, but more importantly we were not scared to play.''

In fact, Real Madrid had two English players — David Beckham and Jonathan Woodgate — starting against Arsenal. Woodgate just lasted eight minutes before coming off with a hamstring injury.

Beckham and Real Madrid ready to beat Arsenal

2006-02-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

Today David Beckham will face an English team for the first time since moving to Spain when Real Madrid hosts Arsenal. It may be the last chance for Madrid to win a title this year: The Champions League.

"I've been waiting for this moment for three years," Beckham admits. "From the start I wanted to wear Real Madrid's shirt in England. There's a special aura about being a Real Madrid player and I want to show it in England. To play in London, where I was born, is going to be meaningful."

Is important to notice that Madrid's 3-0 victory over Alaves on Saturday was its sixth straight in the league and continued its improvement since the appointment of reserve team coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro to replace the fired Vanderlei Luxemburgo on Dec. 4.

In fact, Madrid was boosted by the return of captain Raul Gonzalez on Saturday after three months with serious knee trouble. Striker Ronaldo is expected to play his first Champions League match of the season after missing all six group games because of suspension and injury.

Newspapers assure that Arsenal is struggling to qualify for Europe next season. The Gunners are out of both domestic cup competitions and are fifth in the Premier League standings, 25 points behind Chelsea.

Madrid beats Bilbao

2006-02-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid recovered against Athletic Bilbao and got a great victory. Young star Robinho's fifth minute goal and a stoppage time effort from sub Raul Bravo where enough for the 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao and restored some pride after the midweek cup drubbing at the hands of Real Zaragoza.

Indeed, Zidane's fine through ball set up Robinho for his early goal and Bravo came on in the 88th minute and made a prompt impact by scoring the second.

Actually it was a fifth successive league victory for Real, who are second in the table, seven points behind Barcelona.

Real Madrid, lacking injured David Beckham and Ivan Helguera, took a fifth-minute lead when Robinho ran on to meet Frenchman Zinedine Zidane's through ball and shot through the legs of advancing keeper Inaki Lafuente.

The Brazilian, whose scoring was his sixth in the league in the current season, wasted two more chances and Ronaldo spurned another as Madrid launched a series of swift counterattacks before the interval.

Bilbao forward Aritz Aduriz, celebrating his 25th birthday, headed his team's clearest opportunity well wide in the 48th.

Bravo, who replaced Cicinho in the 88th minute, scored the second goal from close range from Robinho's pass to complete Madrid's victory.

Athletic de Bilbao, which has never been relegated since the league began in 1929, stayed in 18th place with 19 points after gaining just one victory in seven matches.

Zaragoza crushed Real Madrid 6-1

2006-02-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Zaragoza made a great game and Real Madrid showed their worst performance of the year. The result was a 6-1 win for Zaragoza, and puts Madrid almost out of the King's Cup

Argentine defender Diego Milito scored four goals in the match on Wednesday night for the first leg of the semifinals.

What's more, Ewerthon added Zaragoza's other goals at La Romareda Stadium, and Julio Baptista scored for Real Madrid. The second leg of the total-goals series will take place next week in Madrid.

Madrid coach pulls up Gravesen after Garcia tackle

2006-02-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

Juan Roman Lopez Caro had to step in during a training session yesterday after Thomas Gravesen clattered into teammate Pablo Garcia.

In fact, the Dane's tackle stunned Garcia and Lopez Caro pulled Gravesen aside after shouting: "Calmer Gravesen, be calmer!"

Real Madrid players have expressed some concern with Gravesen's all-action style in training games since Lopez Caro's appointment. The caretaker coach demands full commitment in training. However, Gravesen's approach is unnerving teammates.

A little luck to beat Celta

2006-01-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid continued their recent good form in the Spanish League after a 2-1 win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.

This victory takes Madrid above Osasuna and into the top three of the table.

British David Beckham started the match at the Estadio Balaídos but it was Robinho who finished off a lightening attack in the 17th minute to give the visitors the lead.

After the match, Celta de Vigo coach Fernando Vazquez says his team are now even with Real Madrid after being denied what appeared to be a legitimate equaliser in Sunday's Primera Liga match.

It interesting that David Silva's cross-cum-shot in the 68th minute swirled over Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas to strike the far post, rebound against Casillas' hand, his back, and onto the line.

The ball, which apparently entered the goal before bouncing on the line, was quickly cleared however, and the score remained 2-1 to visitors Real.

"I didn't see whether it was a goal or not, but everyone has told me it was," coach Vazquez said after the game.

"Now we are even with Real Madrid, and they won't be able to complain any more about Fabian Canobbio's goal in the Bernabeu earlier this season."

The Uruguayan player scored a controversial winner against Real back in September, when his shot cannoned off the bar to bounce down just outside the goal, 14 minutes from time.

In the end, the goals from Robinho and Cicinho moved Real up to third in the table, 13 points behind leaders Barcelona. Celta are eighth.

Real Madrid beats Cadiz 3-1

2006-01-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

The victory was clear this time. Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos, English David Beckham and young star Robinho each scored in a 15-minute spell in the second half, and Real Madrid rallied to defeat Cadiz 3-1 on Saturday in the Spanish league.

This result is Madrid's fourth straight victory in league and cup play and lifted the team into third place with 36 points from 20 games.

The 29-time league champions trail leader FC Barcelona, which plays last-place Alaves on Sunday, by 10 points.

Cadiz, which has just one draw from its 12 visits to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, scored thier only goal from striker Alexandre Medina in the 54th minute.

Real Madrid, lacking five injured players including Ronaldo and Raul Gonzalez, was given a scare by Cadiz, which started the match in 15th place.

The visitors carried the match in the first half and came close when midfielder Benjamin Zaradona's long strike was parried by goalkeeper Iker Casillas before the interval.

Cadiz took the lead after Medina's initial strike from Fabian Estoyanoff's cross was blocked by new midfielder Cicinho. The Uruguayan made no mistake with his second shot from close range.

The "Galacticos" leveled from a 68th-minute free kick when, teed up by Zinedine Zidane and Beckham, Roberto Carlos fired through the Cadiz wall.

Beckham then tapped another free kick to Roberto Carlos, who stopped the ball for the English midfielder to curl a trademark shot into the corner for Madrid's second goal.

Robinho showed a Madrid's rousing comeback in the 83rd minute when he volleyed home from outside the area.

In other matches Atletico Madrid downed Zaragoza 2-0 to end a 10-game winless league streak. Barcelona leads the league with 46 points, followed by Osasuna with 39, Madrid and Valencia with 36, and Deportivo La Coruna with 32.

Zizou plans to retire after World Cup

2006-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid will have to face the choice of one of their best players: Frenchman Zinedine Zidane will hang up his boots after this summer's World Cup in Germany.

The World Champion midfielder, who scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in Sunday's 4-2 win over Sevilla, has already informed the club of his decision.

It's good to remember that Zidane was voted for Best World Footballer of the Year in 1998, 2000 and 2003 and has a contract with Madrid until 2007.

Zidane scores his first Hat-Trick in win over Sevilla

2006-01-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

Zinedine Zidane was elated after striking an important hat-trick for Real Madrid in yesterday's victory against Sevilla.

As amazing as it can be, it was Zizou's first ever treble as he explained at the end of the match: "It is the first hat-trick that I have scored in all my life.

He added, with a touch of fun "I have had to wait for 34 years to score a hat-trick. It is great (laughter).

"Actually, I've never thought about it. Scoring goals is not my first priority. Today it has happened for me, but most important is that our club has won.

"We are in a great shape and it is important to continue thinking about earning victories." he told us.

Real Madrid drew with Villarreal 0-0

2006-01-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

In a very hard game, Real Madrid only drew 0-0 with Villarreal on Sunday, keeping the "Galactics" in the sixth place of the Spanish league.

Real Madrid is 13 points behind leader FC Barcelona, after the blaugranas beated Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday for its 11th straight league win and a club record 15th in all competitions.

The 29-time league champion has won just one of four league games with their new coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, who replaced the dismissed Vanderlei Luxemburgo last month to become the team's fifth manager in the last 2 1/2 years.

Madrid lost Ronaldo, who was in his first game of 2006, in the 33rd minute of the match at El Madrigal stadium. It seems to be a recurrence of the right calf injury which forced him to miss Tuesday's Copa del Rey match at Athletic Bilbao.

Villarreal, which has never beaten Madrid in 13 league games, stayed in fifth place.

Other games on Sunday ended like this: Sevilla 3, Malaga 1; Celta Vigo 1, Real Sociedad 0; Mallorca 1, Real Betis 1; Cadiz 1, Getafe 0; and Alaves 0, Zaragoza 2.

Ronaldo's injury allowed a recent signing from Sao Paulo, Brazilian international Cicinho, to enter for his Spanish league debut. Madrid's other newcomer, former AS Roma forward Antonio Cassano, was not fit.

Villarreal come close through midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme and striker Diego Forlan, while Zinedine Zidane almost scored for Madrid, all of this in the firts part.

Madrid, without suspended David Beckham and injured Raul Gonzalez but welcoming back defender Jonathan Woodgate after two month's absence, almost fell behind on the hour when Forlan blazed one of the second half's few clear chances wide.

Roberto Carlos stays in Real Madrid

2006-01-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos says he won't quit Real Madrid without winning another trophy.

Roberto Carlos Da Silva has been lately linked with Fenerbahce and Qatar Clubs. However, he makes it clear: "I am kind of sad by what is happening to me, with the subject of the fans and the controversy."

"It is really surprising. I am not scared of journalists, but I do not want to give explanations. Many go and deceive the fans. I am here because Real Madrid has asked me and if it had not, I wouldn't be here.

"I will not leave Madrid without winning another championship. I arrived here winning and I will leave the same way" he added.

Alfredo Di Stefano had a Heart Attack

2005-12-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid former player, Alfredo Di Stefano, spent his 79th Christmas in intensive care because of a heart attack he teo days ago.

"His condition os better and he is conscious," stated Dr. Victoria de la Cueva of the Sagunto hospital near Valencia. "He is aware of what is going on, is stable and breathing well on his own."

She told us he was transferred to a special unit in a Valencia hospital Sunday. Di Stefano had the attack shortly after midnight Friday.

Di Stefano played for Real Madrid many years ago. There is no doubt he ranks high among the most accomplished soccer players of all time: Lots of people would place him highest for his soccer intelligence, his leadership, his versatility, but comparison with Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and George Best are a matter of conjecture, governed by generation.

One of the first visitors to his bedside yesterday, the Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, noticed that Di Stefano was lucid. "We talked about everything," Pérez said. "He told me one must address life with a bit of philosophy."

Real Madrid - Arsenal: Champions League Review

2005-12-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

English club Arsenal FC and Real Madrid will meet for the first time in an official club competition after being paired in one of the most mouthwatering of the last-16 ties.

Arsenal was their group winners in the previous stage. Now the English team will welcome the nine-time European champions to Highbury for the second leg on 8 March, after the first leg in Spain on 21 February. Arsenal are in their last year at the historic north London venue that has been their home since 1913, and all connected with the club are hoping for a fitting send-off.

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein stated: "It's a really good draw for Arsenal and one of the ties of the round. We have never met previously in this competition and obviously they are a club with such a great history that we will enjoy meeting them. A lot of our boys are French and with the final being in Paris they are even more focused on getting there and I think they will fancy their chances against Real Madrid. But it is a nice draw for the club especially in our final year at Highbury."

Beckham likes new coach Lopez Caro

2005-12-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

English Captain David Beckham is happy with the use of wingers in the Real Madrid's new play system following the appointment of coach Juan Roman Lopez Caro.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo used to be criticised because he didn't use wingers in his formation and Beckham admits he likes this change.

"I enjoy playing with wingers a lot. The new trainer is very fine, although all this has been a change for us in the last two weeks," said Beckham.

"Now everything is very meaningful for the team. We are working in a very hard and serious way. We must win games and this already is happening.

"I feel comfortable playing on the right and the centre and to participate in all the games. So I am happy whenever and wherever I could play.

"I find the new coach a good professional. However, I have not yet spoken with the coach. I just know him from what we have done during training.

"In three seasons and with so many trainers it has been a little hard for me. It is not normal and I am not accustomed to it. Now, our coach is Lopez Caro, he is really smart and a very special person."

Keane signed for Celtic and dismissed Madrid

2005-12-15T16:26:00.000-08:00

Former Manchester United Captain, Roy Keane signed up with Scotish Celtic on Thursday on an 18-month contract, spurning Real Madrid and other team to finish his career in Scotland.

The 34-year-old midfielder stated that he made his decision on Wednesday while walking his dog. He rejected offers from Madrid, Everton and Bolton — despite tha fact that the Premier League clubs are close to his home in northwest England.

“I gave every team an option, I spoke to many managers,” the Irish midfielder said. “I think it was important to take my time. It’s an all new challenge. I thought this was the best move for me ... and I’m very happy with my decision.”

Arrigo Sacchi to leave Real Madrid

2005-12-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

On Monday, after coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo was fired, Real Madrid stated that football director Arrigo Sacchi was about to resign.

However, the club suggested that Sacchi's imminent departure was not linked with Luxemburgo's dismissal.

Real Madrid claimed that the 59-year-old Italian had informed the board of his decision two weeks before its 3-0 defeat against FC Barcelona on Nov. 19. Sacchi was described as being "very happy" in the job and wanted to complete a year in his role before leaving.

Luxemburgo no longer Madrid's Coach

2005-12-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

Vanderlei Luxemburgo is no longer Real Madrid's coach. The Brazilian manager was sacked on Sunday only 11 months after taking charge of the galactic team.

Luxemburgo, who was Real's fifth coach in two and a half years, was fired following an emergency board meeting at the club's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

"The board has decided that coach Luxemburgo will not continue on the head of the first team," club vice-president Emilio Butragueno told a news conference.

"It wasn't an easy decision, but the board thinks that we had reached a point where we needed a change.

"The squad were not living up to expectations and that worried both us and the fans and that was the fundamental reason for our decision, which was unanimous."

The announcement came a day after Real's lacklustre 1-0 victory over Getafe, but the detonating factor was a humiliating 3-0 home defeat by arch-rivals Barcelona two weeks ago.

Ronaldo scores as Beckham is sent off in Madrid's Victory

2005-12-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored and David Beckham was ejected in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Getafe on Saturday. Ronnie was returning from injury after appearing in only one of Madrid's previous nine games. He struck in the 18th minute at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to lift Madrid into fourth place in the standings.

Beckham got the red card in the 57th minute for a tackle on Getafe's Ivan "Riki" Sanchez-Rico. The midfielder, wearing a black armband in honor of George Best, exchanged angry words with Getafe coach Bernd Schuster before he exited through the players' tunnel.

Guti, standing in for Raul as Real skipper, fed Ronaldo, who played a wonderful one-two with Zinedine Zidane before bearing down on goal and scoring with the aid of a post.

Getafe almost equalised two minutes before half-time when Mariano Perna's well-struck free kick bought a fine save out of Iker Casillas.

Seven minutes after the interval, the impressive Pernia hit a first-time volley from a deep cross which Casillas had to beat out before the ball was cleared.

David Beckham was ejected for this foul. The England captain could not believe it and the replays suggested that there was little malicious intent in the tackle.

However, it was Beckham's fourth dismissal as a Real player, though one decision was overturned on appeal earlier this season.

The England captain was only sent off once with Manchester United.

He is the only England player to have been sent off twice after red cards against Argentina in 1998 and Austria in October.

Beckham and Getafe coach Bernd Schuster then became embroiled in a slanging match on the touchline before the England captain was ushered down the players' tunnel.

Getafe then almost snatched the equaliser they deserved in the first minute of stoppage-time when Riki tried his luck from outside the penalty area, but the ball curled wide of the post.

Arsene Wenger responses to rumours

2005-11-29T23:25:00.000-08:00

Arsene Wenger claims he won't leave Arsenal despite interest from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Rumours about Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo's future has grown since the 3-0 loss to Barcelona, and Perez told a radio interview he was a fan of Wenger.

"Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello are two of the world's best trainers but I have another name for you, Wenger. I like him very much," said Perez.

Wenger responded: "That's nice of him but until 2008 I have glue on my seat."

Gunners striker Thierry Henry has also been linked with a move to the Bernabeu.

Arsenal's record goal-scorer is out of contract in 2007 and has refused to discuss a new deal until the new year.

David Beckham would love Henry join him at the club, but Wenger is keen to see his fellow Frenchman stay at Arsenal.

"For me, Thierry Henry is the best striker in the world so we would prefer to keep him here," said Wenger.

Luxemburgo has the support of Madrid's board

2005-11-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid said on Thursday there was "no suggestion of Luxemburgo's dismissal" after a board meeting, which was held a day after fans protested during its home Champions League game with Lyon.

"The board has shown its backing to the brazilian coach and full confidence in the first-team squad," the club said.

The board meeting was scheduled before Madrid's 3-0 home defeat against rival FC Barcelona last weekend and not as a response to the team's current difficulties.

Club president Florentino Perez was reported to have discussed Luxemburgo's future with him immediately after the 1-1 draw with Lyon. This led to suggestions that the Brazilian would be fired if Madrid loses its next league game at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Supporters jeered Luxemburgo when he replaced David Beckham with Michel Salgado in the 79th minute of Wednesday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Beck and Ronaldo may miss game against R. Sociedad

2005-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario and english David Beckham are both doubtful for Real Madrid's league match against Real Sociedad on Sunday. The fear is confirmed since they missed training on Friday.

Ronaldo was unable to participate in the session because of continued problems with his left ankle.

Midfielder Beckham received treatment for the back pain that led to his substitution in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Olympique Lyon on Wednesday.

A final decision on the availability of both players will be made on Saturday morning, the Primera Liga club said.

Real have been plagued by injury problems this season and club captain Raul is out of action for at least four months after sustaining a serious knee injury during his side's 3-0 defeat at home to Barcelona.

Real are in fourth place in the Primera Liga, four points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona.

Raul Gonzalez seriously injured

2005-11-21T18:33:00.000-08:00

Spanish striker and Madrid's cap. Raul Gonzalez has a serious injury in his left knee. This happened in the match against Barcelona and could have Raul out of the squad for three months. Doctors hope he can walk again this week.

This is really his most serious injury in his career. Raul is suffering from a tear in his external meniscus and a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament, as well as damage to his knee cap.

Sports daily Marca said Raul could be out for three months, possibly even missing next year's World Cup in Germany, and that he is yet to decide whether to have surgery.

Madrid has other injury concerns with Ronaldo (left ankle), Jonathan Woodgate (left leg) and Thomas Gravesen (right knee).

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-0

2005-11-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid was affected by injuries that decreased the performance of the team. In the other hand, Samuel Eto´o and Ronaldinho (with two goals) showed a great level and won the Classic in favour of Barcelona. Zidane and Ronaldo recent recoveries cost them dearly against a rival who saw the Madrid fans applauding the actions of Ronaldinho. Also, Raúl was replaced by Guti in the second half due to an injury in his right knee.

Ronaldinho Gaucho gave football classes and scored two goals, as Samuel Eto'o made another one at Santiago Bernabeu stadium. With this result Barcelona moved into first place on goal difference over Osasuna, which played a 0-0 draw at Getafe, after 12 of 38 games. Real Madrid is four points off the lead in third place. Now Madrid has to prepare to face Olympique de Lyon for the Champions.

Beckham will play against Barcelona

2005-11-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

David Beckham had a back problem, but he will still be able to play against Barcelona in the spanish derby on Saturday. The english midfielder has been told that his back pain is a result of the unique way that he twists his body to strike a ball in the past and has admitted to having had pain-killing injections before and after certain matches.

With the squad already having suffered several injuries to key players in recent weeks, the absence of the influential midfielder would have been a big blow for the team.

The former Manchester United star assured reporters that he does not think that the injury will be enough to stop him from lining up against Barça however.

"It’s my back, but I don’t think it will be a problem," Beckham said at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground.

The club were also keen to stress that Beckham was likely to play as they took the unusual step of making an official annoucnement on their website.

"Beckham retired from the training game against Real Madrid C with muscular problems, which an investigation has shown is lumbago," read the message. "This will not stop him playing at the Bernabeu on Saturday."

Ronaldo also expressed his relief at having been given the green light to face his former club after missing the last month with an ankle injury.

Saturday Classic Derby: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

2005-11-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

This Saturday Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet again, in the most expected match in spanish football. Real Madrid will be able to use Ronaldo, Ivan Helguera, Zinedine Zidane and Julio Baptista, since they recoreved from their injuries; but not of unlucky Mark van Bommel, Thomas Gravesen - now only a secondary actor, or poor Jonathan Woodgate.

Even though the favorites to win the game is the blaugrana squad, Real Madrid has what it takes to beat a team that is playing a really good football, commanded by Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o.

Ronaldo has not played since tearing ankle ligaments during Madrid's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Oct. 15, while Baptista tore left knee ligaments four days later in the 4-1 win over Rosenborg in the Champions League.

Real Madrid has improved after a faltering start to lie third in the Primera standings with 21 points from 11 games, a point and a place behind Barcelona.

Real Madrid 2005/2006 Squad

2005-11-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

1 Íker Casillas GK
13 Diego López GK
-----------------------
2 Míchel Salgado
3 Roberto Carlos
4 Sergio Ramos
5 Zinédine Zidane
6 Iván Helguera
7 Raúl González
8 Júlio Baptista
9 Ronaldo
10 Robinho
12 Pablo García
14 Guti
15 Raúl Bravo
16 Thomas Gravesen
18 Jonathan Woodgate
20 Óscar Miñambres
21 Carlos Diogo
22 Francisco Pavón
23 David Beckham
24 Álvaro Mejía
27 Roberto Soldado
28 Rubén De la Red

Real Madrid C.F. history

2005-11-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid CF, the XXth Century's Best Club according to FIFA, was founded on March 6, 1902, and it has the greatest ond most glorious history of Spanish and European Football. The first name of the club was "Sociedad Madrid CF", and it was allowed to use the title Real (royal) after King Alfonso XIII of Spain gave the club an official blessing in June 1920.

At the 50's decade, Real Madrid began to consistently perform as one of the strongest teams in Spain and Europe. Real Madrid's success has been based on the mix of fantasy football, team spirit and majesty. It has won the European Cup nine times, more than any other club, winning the first five of them with the legendary team of Alfredo di Stefano, Gento and Ferenc Puskas. Real Madrid has also dominated the Spanish League competition, winning a record number of 29 editions. The rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is legendary. This rivalry started during the government of the totalitarian Francisco Franco, when FC Barcelona supporters claimed that Real Madrid was the Government's team, although, the Real Madrid supporters have always said that the Club that won more General Franco Cups (nowadays King's Cup) was FC Barcelona and Real Madrid itself has always tried to be apolitical during his history. Real Madrid was awarded by FIFA as the "World's best football club of the XXth century History" in 2001.

In recent years, Real Madrid have become famous for signing some of the world's best footballers, giving the club a new nickname of Los galácticos (the galactics). Although the club had a fine tradition of producing local star footballers including Pirri (José Martínez), Francisco Gento, Raúl, Fernando Hierro, and even importing stars from all over the globe including Roberto Carlos, Davor Suker, Clarence Seedorf and Steve McManaman, this trend of signing the biggest, and arguably the most marketable stars available became club policy shortly after Euro 2000 with the world record €60m acquisition of Portuguese playmaker Luis Figo from FC Barcelona, who had risen to prominence with some influential displays in the tournament. He was joined the following year by then two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Zinédine Zidane from the Italian side Juventus, again for a world record fee—this time approximately €71m. The following season, they purchased Ronaldo, top scorer in the 2002 World Cup, for around €39m from Internazionale.

In the summer of 2003, their target was David Beckham, captain of the English national side, who signed from Manchester United for approximately €36m. Cynics argued that this particular development had as much to do with finance as football, with the Beckham brand ensuring increased revenue from merchandising (Club president Florentino Perez has admitted that Beckham "pays us his own salary, and that of Zidane") However, Beckham made a good start with Madrid, despite their relative underachievement in the 2003/2004 season (winning the Spanish Super Cup and finishing fourth in La Liga). This poor display led to the sacking of coach Carlos Queiróz, who had also made the trip to Madrid from Manchester United in 2003 after leaving his position as assistant manager at the English club. The pressure to win trophies means that managers who fail to deliver are sacked, resulting in a high turnover of managers. John Toshack was twice manager of the club. Recent seasons have also seen the arrival and departure of several other coaches appointments including: Vicente Del Bosque, José Antonio Camacho and Mariano García Remón. Real Madrid have recently turned to the services of successful Brazilian coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo in a bid to restore stability and discipline within the locker room.

Real's main target in the 2004 offseason was Patrick Vieira; the club made an offer of €35 million (£23.1 million) to FA Premier League champions Arsenal for his services. Arsenal rejected Real's overtures, and Real instead made two surprise signings, of english striker Michael Owen (€12m) and Jonathan Woodgate (€20m), who did not play for the club until the 2005-2006 season due to a left thigh injury. For 2005, Real reportedly tabled a bid of €70m for Sweden and Juventus star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which Juve rejected; however, the "bid" proved to be a publicity stunt instigated by his agent instead of Real. Later in the 2005 close season, Real acquired young Brazilian superstar Robinho for a fee of $30m. In August 2005, Real Madrid signed Julio Baptista, a Brazilian midfield player from Sevilla who, with the signing of Carlos Diogo and Pablo Garcia strengthens the squad for 2005/06 season. On the last summer day available for signing new players for 2005-2006 season, Real Madrid signed Sevilla's defender Sergio Ramos for about €25m, paying the penalty contract clause he had with Sevilla.