It was officially announced this afternoon that the Copa del Rey Final between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid will be played at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on Friday the 17th of May at 21.30 local time. … [Read more...]
Mourinho to remain at Madrid?
After a week of euphoria for Real Madrid, having beaten their greatest rivals F.C. Barcelona in the Cup and League and having progressed at the expense of Manchester United in the Champions League, the whole mood of their season would appear to have changed. … [Read more...]
Could Laudrup take over the Bernabeu Hotseat?
Having defeated their greatest rivals on Tuesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that everything was rosy at the Bernabeu and Spain’s self proclaimed greatest club would be celebrating victory. However, the win came in the Copa del Rey and doubts still weigh heavy amongst the Madrid faithful and the special one, or only one as he has re-christened himself, has seen his stock diminish at the capital club. More so in a year when Florentino Pérez wishes to prevail at the polls and have himself re-elected as Madrid President, yet finds his side having been beaten 5 times in the league and 16 … [Read more...]
One Clasico to Mourinho ahead of intriguing second encounter
Jose Mourinho has claimed one Clasico victory this week ahead of the league game at the Bernabeu on Saturday, an emphatic 3-1 win at the Nou Camp in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday evening. Revelling in the aftermath of a famous and boisterous win at the home of their fiercest rivals, it may come across that Real revealed their priorities this week. The 16 point gap between themselves and Barcelona gave the Copa clash a fierce ultimatum that could have all but signalled a majorly unsuccessful season for Madrid. However, the result has invigorated a volatile side who have underperformed greatly … [Read more...]
Barcelona struggling to meet their standards without Tito
Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova's treatment for cancer has been well documented and having led the team to the summit of La Liga with a record points total, he departed the club in a dominant position. However, since Vilanova left for America in late January it has been clear that the standard of Barcelona's play has dropped, culminating in the disastrous 2-0 loss in Milan which has made an exit from the Champions League in the round of 16 a real possibility with three pivotal games against Real Madrid and Milan coming up quickly. … [Read more...]
Raphael Varane – the next great central defender
Not many are able to force their way onto the cusp of the Real Madrid starting eleven these days, but even fewer manage to do so at such a tender age as Raphael Varane. The 19 year old Frenchman has, over the past few months, presented a strong case to manager Jose Mourinho for a regular starting place with a number of assured displays at the heart of the Madrid back four. Madrid's best kept secret is out and now the world is aware of Varane's ability with praise coming from all directions. … [Read more...]
Honours even at the Bernabeu but tricky tests await for Valencia and Atletico
Real Madrid fought back from a goal down to level their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg with Manchester United on Wednesday thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's header against his former club. Ronaldo cancelled out Danny Welbeck's earlier strike and ensured Madrid go into the game at Old Trafford in three weeks time on level terms. It could have been very different for Mourinho's men however as they created the majority of chances and but for some sensational stops from United's David De Gea, the home team could have ended the tie on the night. The Spanish stopper expertly denied Fabio … [Read more...]
Mourinho Abuse is Getting to Players – Ronaldo
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has pleaded with supporters in the La Liga sports betting news to lay off Jose Mourinho and to get behind the Portugese manager as the team aim for glory in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. … [Read more...]
The second half of the La Liga season – a brief preview
A new year is upon us, and with it comes the introduction of the ‘business end’ of the season. Managers face their final chance to strengthen their squads during the January transfer window as a scramble begins for the survival, for European spots, and for the title. … [Read more...]
Is Mourinho ignoring his own policy?
Iker Casillas' recent omission can be justified, according to the man responsible. Jose Mourinho believes that no man should be seen as bigger than the team and based on Casillas' irregular form over the first half of the season, Mourinho has reacted based on his performances. The severity of the switch cannot be thought of as merely rotation given Casillas' illustrious career as Mourinho further antagonised both the fans and directors above with his decision, perhaps confirming what Florentino Perez intends to do with Mourinho's contract in the summer. Yet by causing such mayhem that has made … [Read more...]