Real Madrid News

La Liga regresa en pleno apogeo después de la Liga de Campeones de la acción de esta semana. Real Madrid buscan mantener intacta su racha de wininng contra un oponente que nunca se han enfrentado en Primera División. Los blancos tienen el poder de fuego, la concentración, el equilibrio y la cadena de buenos resultados, mientras que Xerez está armado con la emoción de debutar en uno de los mejores estadio del mundo.

Manuel Pellegrini y la compañía de la esperanza de permanecer perfecto de esta semana después de derrotar a Espanyol, el 12 de septiembre y el aplastamiento de Zurich el pasado martes por el alojamiento en el Xerez Bernebeu este everning.

El entrenador chileno tiene un as en la manga con el regreso de Sergio Ramos, que se ha recuperado de la tendinitis de Aquiles en su izquierda y realizó su primera lista de jugadores de la temporada. Raúl Albiol también está disponible para Pellegrini, después de superar problemas de tobillo a principios de esta semana. También en el frente de defensa, Garay puede volver a la acción, mientras que Metzelder es incapaz de adaptarse a arriba. Xabi Alonso no se puede jugar bien después de sufrir un tríceps sural severamente golpeado. Mantenerse fiel a su política de rotaciones, Pellegrini todavía no ha anunciado que probablemente empezará en contra de Jerez, pero como él mismo dijo, el equipo está diseñado para no depender exclusivamente de un jugador.

Recientemente ascendido a Primera División por primera vez en más de 60 años de historia, Xerez ver el partido en el Bernabéu como un hito. Tan emocionado como un niño en una tienda de dulces, el debut Azulinos en el estadio que acogerá la final de la Liga de Campeones con nada que perder y mucho que ganar. Una victoria sobre el césped Madridista representaría la alteración de la semana, así como tres puntos importantes. El reto para “Cuco” Ziganda jugadores es permanecer excitado y no dar en el miedo.

No será una tarea fácil, pero sin antecedentes de caer de nuevo, hay varios jugadores del Xerez que saben cómo se siente al salir del estadio Santiago Bernabéu la victoria. Antoñito lo hizo cuando jugaba en el Sevilla y el Racing, con el Recreativo Viqueira y Redondo con el Sevilla. Mientras tanto, Carlos Calvo y Leandro Gioda regresar después de cumplir un partido de suspensión y de Víctor Sánchez y Mario Bermejo no están disponibles.

World Cup

La Liga returns in full swing after Champions League action earlier this week. Real Madrid seek to keep their wininng streak intact against an opponent who they have never faced in Primera Division. The Whites have the fire power, focus, balance and good string of results, while Xerez are armed with the excitement of debuting in one of the best stadium’s in the world.

Manuel Pellegrini and company hope to remain perfect this week after defeating Espanyol on 12 September and crushing Zurich last Tuesday by hosting Xerez at the Bernebeu this everning.

The Chilean coach has an ace up his sleeve with the return of Sergio Ramos, who has recovered from tendonitis in his left Achilles and made his first squad list of the season. Raul Albiol is also available to Pellegrini after overcoming ankle trouble earlier this week. Also on the defensive front, Garay may return to action while Metzelder is unable to suit up. Xabi Alonso cannot play either after suffering a severly bruised triceps surae.

Staying true to his policy of rotations, Pellegrini has yet to announce who is likely to start against Xerez, but as he himself said, the team is designed to not depend solely on one player.

Recently promoted to Primera Division for the first time in more than 60 years of history, Xerez see the match at the Bernabeu as a milestone. As excited as a kid in a candy store, theAzulinos debut in the stadium that will host the Champions League final with nothing to lose and everything to gain. A victory on Madridista turf would represent the upset of the week as well as three important points. The challenge for “Cuco” Ziganda’s players is to remain excited and not give into fear.

It will be no easy feat, but with no history to fall back on, there are several Xerez players who know how it feels to leave the Bernabeu victorious. Antoñito did it while playing for Sevilla and Racing, Viqueira with Recreativo and Redondo with Sevilla. Meanwhile, Carlos Calvo and Leandro Gioda return after serving one-match suspensions and Victor Sanchez and Mario Bermejo are unavailable. (RMOS)

SQUAD LIST:

GK: Casillas, Dudek

DEF: Arbeloa, Ramos, Marcelo, Albiol, Garay

MID: Gago, Diarra, Drenthe, Kaka, Lass, Guti, Granero

ATK: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Benzema, Higuain, Van Nistelrooy

The lateral merengue reviewed today in an interview with Marca. Hopes to return to the level that showed the first years in order to respond to all those who are ‘baited’ with him last season.

Does soccer monkey? “Of course. For a footballer, as is having importate minutes and find yourself within the field. The truth is I’m looking forward to the time of return, especially now that I see already quite close. ”

How was your recovery? “At first I had to be rested several days to heal the break. Only toward treatment, physiotherapy and upper body work in the gym. Then I started doing bike before supporting the foot.”

How do you get to watch football from the stands? “It feels very strange to me. I feel restless and with a huge rack onto the field when I see my teammates playing.”

How often infiltrate played last season? “At least one other, the truth, but always needs and circumstances of the group.”

Would he play infiltrate if necessary? “If it’s a final of Champions, a Classic, a derby or a game inportante, I would without hesitation. That’s it, not as usual, because I have lived the experience in first person and not Certainly that is something that hurts you so much. ”

Will we see this year a new Sergio Ramos?: “Hopefully the return of the Branches of the first three years. I learned a lot from the mistakes and now I return with the batteries recharged and with a huge dream to show people I can be here many years. ”

Pellegrini Pleased with: “In Schuster, the band left me alone for me and had more traveled. Now, with the system Pellegrini, I’ll have more help on defense. Not only me, but Arbeloa, Albiol or Lass when they play there” .

Do you feel that the referees have taken the registry? “Yes I have the little sign of violent player, and it weighs a lot. Now I draw any silly yellow, while another does the same thing three times and did not admonish.”

Has received offers from Milan? “In his day news came out, but I’ve been here five years and I have a very long contract. In fact, if I were offered a lifetime contract, signed it now.”

What Sergio Ramos criticism bother you? “No. I accept, provided they are sports. That yes, when you criticize and you’re wrong when you’re right, nobody says anything.”

Have you felt mistreated by the press? “Of course, mainly because they said so many lies around me like me.”

Real Madrid fought, dominated and scored many goals against Zurich. Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul and Higuain netted strikes in the first half. The locals scored two goals in the second half, but Ronaldo and Guti sentenced the match.

Pepe, Drenthe, Cristiano and Raul were the new faces on tonight’s starting lineup. Zurich had a strong start to the game and had the first chance to score when a corner kick served by Magairaz reached the far post. The ball hit Stahel and Tihinen forced Casillas to make an easy save with a heel shot (8′). Real Madrid gradually took control of the game, with Ronaldo venturing down the left, Raul running down the centre and Higuain covering the right wing. The Portuguese star was awarded a free-kick and scored the game’s opener when keeper Leoni failed to grab the ball (27’).

Impeccable in defence and solid in midfield, the Whites played touch football that tired their opponents. Higuain ventured into the box and missed a shot that landed at Raul’s feet for the captain to score the second strike of the evening (33’). It was the striker’s 65th goal in the Champions League. A few minutes later, Raul passed the ball to Higuain and the latter dribbled past Rocha, defeating Leoni with great skill (45′).

Neither Zurich nor their fans gave up. The Swiss took the pitch looking to turn the score around at the start of the second half. They made more fouls and played a tougher game. Xabi Alonso injured  his right ankle and had to be replaced by Fernando Gago on the 59-minute mark. Koch tried to score for Zurich to no avail, but the team soon netted a strike when Vonlanthen tricked the referee into thinking he was tackled inside the box by Casillas. A penalty was awarded and Margairaz defeated the keeper (62’).

The locals took advantage of Real Madrid’s dismay and Aegerter netted a header from a corner kick served by Vonlanthen. The Madridistas decided to pull rank and seal the game once and for all, and did so with two strikes. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a 30-metre free-kick; the goalkeeper tried to clear the ball with his fists, but sent it inside the goal instead (88’). In added time, Guti scored the team’s fifth and final strike from a beautiful lob. (RMOS)

The day has finally arrived. Thirteen obstacles before the highly sought after trophy is raised on 22 May at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid and Zurich raise the Champions League curtain with a match that must be won in order to get off on the right foot.

It doesn’t matter if they have already won the Champions League or not, but everyone ranging from Raul to Kaka to Cristiano to Granero starts off with a clean slate. All that matters for this Real Madrid squad is winning titles. The team has gotten off to a good start in league action and wants to do the same in Europe.

And Europe just happens to be the biggest threat to the Madirdistas, who are obligated to return Real Madrid to prominence. And what a better way to do so than by winning the historic final that this season will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu. That takes us to Stadion Letzigrund, where at 20:45 Pellegrini’s offensive, possession-oriented football meets FC Zurich, who make their first-ever appearance in the Champions League.

Any 11 is possible
Manuel Pellegrini promised rotations and he stuck to his word. With a long season in store, the Real Madrid coach knows rest is his best ally if the team is to reach the last few months with plenty of energy left in its legs. There has been plenty of speculation as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul and Lass, who were reserves against Espanyol, will get the start. But Pellegrini has plenty of options available to choose from, and no matter who is on the pitch, success is all but guaranteed. He who is likely to start is Pepe, who will play his first official match in five months with Albiol still hampered by ankle trouble.

A new adventure begins
FC Zurich are unfamiliar with the new format of the UEFA Champions League, and there is no better way to debut than against the most successful side in European Cup history. The match has drawn so much attention that tickets sold out in 39 minutes. For coach Bernard Challandes, it is crucial that his team doesn’t abandon its offensive and daring football led by Johan Vonlanten. The current Swiss champions already has nine matches under its belt, four of which have resulted in victory, three in draws and two in defeat.

A country conquered by Real Madrid
Tueday’s match will be Real Madrid’s 19th against a Swiss team in European competiton. The first took place in 1955 against Servette in what was then known as the European Cup. Nine years later, they faced the same opponent they play tonight and won both matches. Other Swiss opponents, whether it be in European Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup or Champions League action, have included FC Basel, Grasshopper-Club, Young Boys and Lugano. Of the 18 previous matches against Super League teams, Real Madrid have won 14, lost four, scored 44 goals and conceded 11.(RMOS)

SQUAD LIST:

GK: Iker Casillas, Jerzy Dudek and Adan

DEF: Marcelo, Pepe, Albiol, Metzelder and Arbeloa

MID: Gago, Lass, Guti, Drenthe, Granero, Xabi Alonso and Kaka

ATK: Raul, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain and Van Nistelrooy

Coach Manuel Pellegrini held a press conference after the 3-0 victory over Espanyol.

“It was a close game in the first half, even though we managed to score and Kameni made a good save before that. In the second half we had more scoring chances than them and netted two strikes. It was a well-deserved victory. I’m not sure the match outcome was too harsh for Espanyol because we deserved to win with more than one-goal difference. The condition the pitch was in made it difficult for us. Espanyol put a lot of pressure in the first half to overtake us and that effort affected them during the second half.”

“Every starter is aware he has to perform well. I have a lot of confidence in this squad. Today was Guti’s and Granero’s turn, but every member of the squad will have an important role.”

“Ronaldo is not under pressure. I think he is being over-examined. He is adapting to the league and the team. He has made three solid performances and has scored goals. He doesn’t have any problems. He looks calm.”

Kaka’s interview:

Real Madrid proved to have plenty of depth on their squad as they defeated Espanyol at the new Cornella-El Prat Stadium with four novelties in the initial line-up. Granero scored the opener just before half-time while Guti and Cristiano Ronaldo netted the definitive goals in the second half. Iker Casillas celebrated his tenth anniversary since his debut in La Liga with a shutout.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini madefour changes in the starting line-up with respect to the first league game. Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Lass and Garay stayed in the bench while Granero, Higuain, Guti and Metzelder played from the start.

The first half was a constant give-and-take. Espanyol had several set pieces opportunities while Metzelder got close to scoring the opener after Granero’s corner-kick (4’). Espanyol had two excellent chances to score. On the first one, Casillas denied Moises (18’) and on the second one Arbeloa cleared the ball on the goal-line (34’). Guti took the leading role then and made several assists to his team-mates. Benzema received one of his passes but his shot with his right foot sailed wide (35’). The best play of the match came on the 38-minute mark. Marcelo connected a volley after a nice combination between Xabi Alonso, Guti and Kaka, but Kameni made a brilliant save. Twenty seconds later Granero netted his first goal of the season after some quick first-touch passes between himself and Kaka. ‘The pirate’ became the first goal-scorer of the Cornella-El Prat Stadium.

The second half saw De la Peña and Coro coming in for Ivan Alonso and Nakamura. In turn, Pellegrini reacted and Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul substituted Benzema and Higuain. The second goal of the evening came on the 76-minute mark. Kaka dribbled past his defender and cut the ball back from the goal-line. Guti was waiting for it and defeated Kameni with a low shot. Cristiano Ronaldo netted the definitive strike in injury time after yet another wonderful long pass by Guti. (ORMS)

Last November Real Madrid lost two important players to injury, but after almost a year of hard work and rehab, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mahamadou Diarra have found their way back onto a squad list. The two saw playing time in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy and on Saturday may see league action against Espanyol. Meanwhile, Fernando Gago and Sergio Ramos were not called up although Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that they may return next week. The team leaves for Barcelona later this afternoon.

The final workout of the week took place behind closed doors. Manuel Pellegrini took advantage of the absence of the press to finalize details pertaining to Saturday’s match at Cornella-El Prat stadium. Real Madrid will return to work on Sunday for the last session prior to heading to Switzerland for the team’s Champions League opener against FC Zurich.

SQUAD LIST:

GK: Casillas and Dudek

DEF: Arbeloa, Marcelo, Drenthe, Albiol, Garay and Metzelder

MID: Diarra, Kaka, Lass, Guti, Alonso and Granero

ATK: Raul, Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Higuain and Benzema

The best clubs of 20th century from the germain football statistic institut – IFFHS:

1. Real Madrid CF 563,50
2. Juventus FC Torino 466,00
3. FC Barcelona 458,00
4. Milan AC 399,75
5. FC Bayern München 399,00
6. FC Internazionale Milano 362,00
7. AFC Ajax Amsterdam 332,75
8. Liverpool FC 300,25
9. Benfica 299,00
10. RSC Anderlecht 231,00
11. Manchester United FC 220,00
12. Club Atlético de Madrid 196,00
13. Ferencváros 190,00
14. Leeds United AFC 154,50
15. AC Sparta Prag 149,50
16. FC Dinamo Kijev 144,50
17. AS Roma 141,50
18. Hamburger SV 140,50
19. VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach 136,50
20. Tottenham Hotspur FC 136,00

It’s important to say that only European competitions are counting. Real Madrid was best and he will stay best forever!

A team of Milan legends were too strong for their Real Madrid opponents, as the Rossoneri overcame the nine time European champions in a charity match, played in the honour of Stefano Borgonovo last night.

Marco Simone and Diego Fuser did the damage up front for the Milanese outfit either side of the interval, to ensure that the home supporters went home happy after the 90 minutes of play.

The biggest ovation of the night undoubtedly was for Borgonovo himself, when he was presented to the crowd prior to kick-off. The former Fiorentina and Milan man was brought to tears at this point in time, as the supporters chanted his name and applauded his courage.

The Rossoneri were definitely the more attractive side on paper on the night, with the likes of Marco Van Basten, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Stefano Nava, Zvonimir Boban, Maurizio Ganz, Marco Simone, George Weah, Pietro Paolo Virdis and many other notable players taking part in the clash.

The slightly weaker Madrid side still did possess stars of their own though, including Emilio Butragueno, Manuel Sanchis and Jose Emilio Amvisca, making for a great spectacle for all to enjoy.

Borgonovo, who was born on the 17th of March, 1964, managed to make 13 appearances for Milan in the late 80s, whilst he went on to make 67 for Fiorentina and scoring on 18 occasions after that.

His strength and courage in such difficult times is an inspiration to us all.

Milan Squad: Ancelotti, R. Baggio, Baresi, Boban, Carbone, Colombo, Costacurta, Donadoni, Eranio, Evani, Fuser, F. Galli, G. Galli, Ganz, Lentini, Leonardo, Mannari, Mussi, Nava, S. Rossi, Sacchi, Simone, Stroppa, Tassotti, Van Basten, Weah.

Real Madrid squad: Alfonso, Amavisca, Buyo, Butragueno, De Las Heras, Esnaider, Gallego, Geni, Ivan, Juanma, Julio Llorente, Karanka, Koke Contreras, Mesas, Morales, Ramis, Sabido, Sanchis, Velasco, Victor.