Real Madrid grabbed a one goal advantage over Espanyol last night, in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey quarter final. Madrid had smashed five past Real Betis at the weekend, a result that saw Juan Carlos Garrido lose his job, but they were made to work much harder by an improving Espanyol side Carlo Ancelotti's side also ran out one nil victors at the Cornella-El Prat in La Liga just nine days ago, but the fact of the matter is that Madrid have now won six games in a row and could yet win the domestic double this season. Cristiano Ronaldo went closest for Madrid in the earlier stages, a … [Read more...]
Rooney To Sign For Real Madrid
It will be Adios, Old Trafford as Wayne Rooney swaps Manchester for Madrid in 2014. The only question remaining is whether it will be in the summer or within the next nine days. With strike partner Robin Van Persie injured for large swathes of the season, Manchester United have been more reliant than ever on the England forward's goals. He has scored 9 goals in 16 games, a worse strike rate than potential replacement Danny Welbeck, but of course there is so much more to Rooney's game than goals. It is Rooney's energy and determination that have caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti. He sees Rooney … [Read more...]
Row between Perez and supporters rages on
The animosity between members of the now defunct Ultras Sur and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez looks set to continue as the fan group relent in their quest to return to the Bernabeu. The Ultras Sur, Real Madrid's fervent supporters formerly housed in the South stand at the Bernabeu, remain upset about their treatment after 500 season tickets were rescinded after an altercation before a match with Real Sociedad. The fans are angry with how Perez has dealt with the situation as the club welcomed a new section to replace the Ultras made up of young fans. … [Read more...]
Ronaldo Abused By Fans
It's been a remarkable week for Cristiano Ronaldo, he has won his second Ballon D'Or, been named in the UEFA team of the year (at the expense of Lionel Messi), and last night he scored one of the goals that sent Real Madrid into the Copa Del Rey round of eight. But it seems that not everybody is feeling the love for CR7. Ronaldo had been the red hot favourite to win the Ballon D'Or, despite facing stiff opposition from Messi and Franck Ribery, and footballers from across the globe rushed to offer their support for him on the social networks. Former tem-mate Rio Ferdinand tweeted that he would … [Read more...]
It’s Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 0
It was Real Madrid 3 Barcelona 0 today as UEFA announced their official team of the year for 2013. The dream team is voted for by ordinary football fans through social media and via the UEFA website, but they failed a recognise a single Barcelona player, despite their runaway success in La Liga last year. There was another snub for Lionel Messi, who finished 13th in the votes, after losing out to Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or on Tuesday. Even with his injury problems it seems absurd to leave him out of a European league 11. Ronaldo himself made, the squad, of course and it marked the … [Read more...]
Ferdinand Begged Ronaldo To Join Manchester United
Manchester United's veteran defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he begged Cristiano Ronaldo to re-join Manchester United during the summer. United had just appointed a new manager in David Moyes and they were desperate to make a marquee signing. A last minute move to hijack the Gareth Bale to Real Madrid transfer failed but it does show that the Old Trafford club had the money to make a serious splash in the summer market. Ronaldo is still a legend at Manchester United, having scored 84 goals in 196 appearances for the Red Devils. Earlier in 2013 Ronaldo had said that he felt unhappy at … [Read more...]
Alonso Denies Chelsea Rumours
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has denied reports that Chelsea had approached him about a move to west London. The Madrid string-puller's contract was into its final six months, but he has ended speculation by signing a new contract that will keep the 32 year old at the Bernabeu for at least another two years. Alonso signed from Liverpool in 2009 for a fee of £30m and has since become a regular in a central midfied position, despite stiff competition. He has made 140 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring four goals in the process. His true value, however, lies in his ability to break up … [Read more...]
Di Maria’s Groin Grab Controversy
Carlo Ancelotti took the time honoured escape route when asked about Angel di Maria's gesture to the Real Madrid fans last night by claiming that he hadn't seen it. Speaking in the press conference following Madrid's unconvincing 3-0 victory at home to Celta Vigo, Ancelotti said: “I have not seen the gesture. I shook his hand and then I don't know what he did. It is news to me if he responded to the crowd and it is a mistake if he has – but life goes on." Ancelotti may have had the temporary blindness that so many managers seem to suffer from but I did see the gesture and it could land Di … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 15
The La liga title race came to life, once again, over the weekend as champions and leaders Barcelona finally fell to that inevitable defeat that had been lurking since their talisman, Lionel Messi got injured. Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory earlier on Saturday means the Whites are now only 3 points behind their eternal rivals as well as city rivals, Atletico Madrid. Time for us to reel-out our Team of the week, honouring those players who have impressed during the past round of matches. Sevilla’s Portugese goalkeeper Beto wins our heart in goal after producing crucial and timely saves to give his … [Read more...]
Ancelotti not right for Los Blancos claims ex Madrid president
Is Carlo Ancelotti the right man to lead Los Blancos? Not according to Ramon Calderon. "It seems to me that Ancelotti does not have the personality and charisma to lead Real Madrid" said the ex-CEO earlier this month. He went on to attack their style of play under Ancelotti saying it wasn’t 'defined' or 'organized' and that they 'concede too many goals'. In Calderon’s eyes, the hiring of Ancelotti was a mistake. … [Read more...]