In winning their 10th European Cup this past summer, Real Madrid seemed to have found its ideal strategy under Ancelotti. With the work rate and skill of Di Maria, the intelligence of the midfield, and the goal scoring ability of Bale, Ronaldo, and Benzema, the club was able to defend, counter, and attack with skill, precision, and intelligence. The players knew what was expected of each other and formed a very cohesive team. On paper then and with the turnover and problems at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid was the clear favorite to win this year’s La Liga crown. However, after … [Read more...]
Five players who will bring Spain success again
Despite a disastrous World Cup, Spain played their first competitive game since failing miserably in Brazil by defending their European Championships crown. Vicente del Bosque fielded a side vastly different from the World Cup as retirements and injuries kept those who had represented Spain during their golden era out. There was a modicum of pressure on some of the players ahead of the home qualifier against Macedonia, especially as Spain had lost to France in a friendly beforehand, but the side stood up to the test in a half-empty Ciutat de Valencia stadium to win 5-1. Of those new players, … [Read more...]
How Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso’s Absences Will Affect Real Madrid
For anyone associated with Real Madrid CF it must be mystifying how Florentino Perez Rodriguez, their President controls the Los Merengues’ transfer policy, often to the chagrin or bemusement of the coaching staff. Ever since the controversial construction magnate first assumed control of the Real boardroom in 2000 with the unlikely-looking but tantalizing prospect of luring then Barcelona star Luis Figo to their playing staff, the autocratic Perez has established and stuck to his ‘Galactico’ policy, never mind the fact that this has often unbalanced the playing staff. … [Read more...]
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid match report
At full-time its Real Sociedad who take the three points after an inspired comeback. Coming to Anoeta is never easy for any team in the league and Real Madrid will rue all their missed chances that in reality could have ended the game within the first half hour of play. The early 2-0 lead looked to be an indication of a pummeling for Real Sociedad, but the players and the crowd in attendance put up a great effort and upset the European champions. The goalscorers were Ramos and Bale for Madrid and Zurutuza (twice), Vela, and Martinez for Real Sociedad. … [Read more...]
Chicharito to Real Madrid analysis
It’s not Falcao, it’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez! Hernandez has officially sealed a move to none other than Real Madrid from Manchester United on season long loan with Real Madrid having the first option to buy next summer. “Chicharito” will wear his habitual number fourteen that was coincidentally previously left vacant by Xabi Alonso. Chicharito provides another attacking option that Real Madrid have lacked since the departures of Higuain and Morata as well as the injury to Jese. … [Read more...]
Falcao off to Manchester instead of Madrid
Monaco striker Radamel Falcao will move to Manchester United instead of Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal. The Colombian has been a long-term target for Real, but will now play for United subject to a medical at Old Trafford. Having joined the French club for €50 million, it looked as though the only club able to buy the striker would be Real Madrid, but the option of a year-long loan deal has now come up. It is expected that the Colombian's wages and loan fee will be sky-high, but United boss Louis van Gaal wants extra firepower to correct the club's poor start to the season. Van Gaal … [Read more...]
Falcao to Madrid rumours hotting up
Radamel Falcao to Real Madrid rumors are gaining more and more credibility as the transfer window nears to a close. Real Madrid are keen to add another ‘Galactico’ to their ranks, as well as a perfect associate to James Rodriguez up front. Both players have enjoyed success at Porto and the Colombian national team leading both respective attacks. The addition of Falcao would surely make Real contenders on all fronts as if they weren’t already. … [Read more...]
Di Maria to Manchester United – an analysis
Last season it was Mesut Ozil, this season it’s Angel Di Maria. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has always been known for doing good business in the transfer market. Ridding the squad of Angel Di Maria was probably not one of his best bits of business. According to BBC Sport, Di Maria signed for Manchester United for a record 59.7 million pounds. Perez might have recovered what was spent on Toni Kroos and a fraction of the fee paid for James Rodriguez, but the squad lost much more. … [Read more...]
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid preview
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad face off in Round 2 of La Liga this Sunday, August 31st, in Anoeta at 03:00 PM EST. Real Madrid opened up their season with a hard fought home win against Cordoba. Real Sociedad traveled to La Liga new boys Eibar and lost 1-0. Both teams will look to perform better and come away with three vital points in what should be a great game to watch. … [Read more...]
Xabi Alonso heading to Bayern
Bayern Munich are in the process of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, with the midfielder set to undergo a medical today. Alonso, who announced his retirement from the Spanish national team this week, will be allowed to leave after five seasons at the Bernabeu. The news comes just days after Manchester United completed a £59m move for Angel Di Maria, as another of Carlo Ancelotti's trusted players looks set to make way. Alonso and Di Maria were key players in Madrid's rejuvenation last season, as the club embarked on a long unbeaten run. Madrid have brought in Toni Kroos and James … [Read more...]