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...]
Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo
Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo closed the gap on leaders Barcelona and Atletico on an emotional night at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid sealed a 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo but the win wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline implies. The highlights of the match were the return from injury of record signing Gareth Bale and Ronaldo scoring his 400th career goal, but there was little else to lift the spirits of Los Blancos. Celta Vigo, in a relegation battle near the foot of La Liga, gave the match a real go. They created chances early on but found it difficult to test Lopez in the Madrid … [Read more...]
Morata being tracked by Tottenham and Arsenal
The Daily Mail are reporting that both Tottenham and Arsenal are keeping their eyes on out-of-favour Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata. Carlo Ancelotti preferred Jese to Morata for the Champions League game with Galatasaray in midweek which has apparently alerted the two top teams in North London. … [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...]
How La Liga stars got on in the World Cup play-offs
The international break has shown its face for the last time until March (thank goodness!) with plenty of celebration for the La Liga contingent in the World Cup qualifiers. Victory was around in abundance, none more so than in the Portugal camp where Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the shining light, after his late goal in Lisbon he grabbed a hat-trick in the second leg in Stockholm sending Portugal to the World Cup finals in Brazil. Pepe and Ronaldo’s Real team-mate Fabio Coentrao also played a part in the thrilling match which finished 3 – 2, seeing Portugal victorious by a 4 – 2 … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Manchester United interested in Xabi Alonso
Both Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Spanish international Xabi Alonso as he looks set to become a free agent next summer reports Give me Sport. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti remains adamant however, that Alonso will put pen to paper on a new deal very soon, claiming the holding midfielder is still very much a 'vital' player for the club. In spite of this, both United and Chelsea are reportedly putting together offers of their own in attempt to coerce the ex Liverpool player back to the Premier League next year. … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid – the Jesus Gil years
In 1987, controversial politician and businessman Jesus Gil became the club president of Atletico Madrid, running the club until his resignation in May 2003. Gil made most of his money in the construction business but also spent time in jail when in 1967 one of his buildings collapsed, killing 58 people. He was eventually released by order of dictator Francisco Franco. When Gil took over at Atletico they had not won a La Liga title for 10 years and were desperate for League success. Straight away, Gil spent heavily, bringing in a number of expensive signings including Portuguese star Paulo … [Read more...]
Real Madrid face battle with Chelsea to sign Benfica star, Nemanja Matic
Both Chelsea and Real Madrid are in competition to sign Benfica's talented playmaker Nemanja Matic in the January transfer window reports the Correio da Manha. The Serbian's footballing stock has risen dramatically over the past twelve months after a string of impressive displays for the Portuguese giants both domestically and in Europe. … [Read more...]
The demise of Racing Santander
In January 2011 a bright future looked on the horizon as Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed took over at the helm of Racing Santander taking an 80% stake in the club. Founder and Chairman of investment company Western Gulf Advisory Ali Syed proclaimed that Racing could challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona as a so called "Third Force" in La Liga. … [Read more...]
Sevilla starlet Moreno a target for United and Chelsea
Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno and planning a January swoop for the 21-year-old. Moreno has been in Sevilla's first team for only a few months but his impressive performances have seen him make his full Spanish debut and become a prime target for Europe's top clubs. Moreno is still eligible for the Champions League this season due to Sevilla not qualifying so a transfer in January would give both Chelsea and United extra depth for the knockout stages should they qualify. … [Read more...]