August 04, 2011
April 06, 2010
March 15, 2010
December 18, 2009
Real Madrid fans want Roberto Carlos back
Sensational news are out and it has been reported that Real Madrid fans wants former defender, Roberto Carlos, to be re-signed by the club in January.
The Fenerbahce star will be out of contract at the end of the month and has offered to return to Real as they struggle to solve their left-back problems.
Over 100,000 fans voted in favour of the Brazilian’s return in a poll run by Madrid-based Marca.com.
Real Madrid will now have to move quickly as Roberto Carlos already has a verbal agreement with Ronaldo’s Corinthians to join them for season 2010.
Rafa Benitez: Real Madrid can be Unbeatable In March
"Speaking of Real Madrid now would be wrong", began the Spaniard in an interview with Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Liverpool coach went on to say that Los Blancos' "champions" need time to gel and play as a team, but that "in March they could be unbeatable".
The Liverpool coach also spoke of Barcelona, who he believes to currently be Europe's best and Barca coach Pep Guardiola has a player that Benitez "simply adores" in Lionel Messi.
Liverpool failed to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League and will dispute the Europa League for their chance at international silverware. They have been drawn against Unirea Urziceni in their first tie in Europe's secondary competition.
December 16, 2009
Raul Gonzalez : I am not worried about my place with Real Madrid
The Madrid captain has gone from starter to substitute in coach Manuel Pellegrini's first season in charge but believes his role with the club remains as important as ever.
"Since I arrived at 17, my role in the club has always been important and will continue being (that way)," Raul said Wednesday.
Raul's playing time has been curbed under Pellegrini, whose arrival kicked off an offseason overhaul in which the Spanish powerhouse spent more than euro250 million ($365 million) on players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.
Raul scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and is the club's all-time leading scorer. But this season has seen the Madrid captain start from the bench for three straight games for the first time since his rookie season in 1994-95. He has five goals across all competitions.
Questions were raised on Saturday when Pellegrini looked set to bring Raul on in the second half but changed his mind after Madrid went ahead in a 4-2 win over Almeria.
"I understand the coach and I have no problem with that. As a professional, I accept it," said Raul, who described his relationship with Pellegrini as "magnificent."
Raul has spent his entire career at Madrid, like midfielder Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez, who has been eased out of the team by Pellegrini following a heated halftime exchange of the humiliating 4-0 defeat to third-tier club Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey.
While Raul remains in the squad, Guti has been left out for nine straight games.
Florentino Perez's return to the presidency has reshaped the club, with Ronaldo and Kaka joined by Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso.
Following the embarrassing Copa del Rey exit, Madrid has found form to finish top of its Champions League group ahead of AC Milan. The team is also second in the league, five points back of Barcelona with a game in hand.
"The team is playing well," Raul said. "We achieved our goal of finishing first in the group in the Champions League and even though I'm playing less, like everyone's seen, I'm training and fighting to keep playing and to enjoy the profession I love most -- football."
November 29, 2009
Barcelona 1 - 0 Real Madrid Highlights & Photos
Karim Benzema : We're going to Nou Camp to win
Karim Benzema used to watch the Clasico as a fan in France, and now the striker is on the verge of playing in his first match in the Camp Nou as a Madridista.
"It's a huge match that is watched around the world and it has everyone on their feet. The Clasico I remember most was when Ronaldo lobbed the ball over Valdes."
"I can feel the big day draw closer. We have to keep the ball away from them and attack. If you limit yourself to playing back, you lose. We need to take the initiative and dictate the pace. We must dominate possession. We cannot be afraid and must take risks from the start."
"Xavi and Iniesta dictate how the team plays and the rhythm of the game."
"I want to play well and score or provide an assist. The two are equally important. I can play as a striker or just behind the striker. But wen I play in a more advanced position, Pellegrini wants me to move around more, to make my way to the wings and to do what I do best when I get the ball."
"I don't know what the final score will be, but I hope we win."
October 30, 2009
Raul Gonzalez celebrates his 15th year at Real Madrid
Today, 29 October 2009, Raul Gonzalez Blanco celebrates his 15-year anniversary as a Real Madrid player. To commemorate the occasion, Realmadrid.com has selected fifteen of the captain’s best highlights and fifteen of his most memorable quotes. His first goal
“It reflected the hope and excitement of a kid who wanted to be a footballer playing in the Santiago Bernabeu against Atletico Madrid.”
It came against the same team that he played for during his earliest years. Unable to score in his official La Liga debut on 29 October 1994 against Zaragoza, Raul found the back of the net against Atletico Madrid one week later.
Unforgettable goal against Atletico
“I was on the train one day and noticed everyone looking at me… that is when my life started to change.”
By 1996/97 Raul was the talk of the town, but another goal against Atletico increased his legend even further. He evaded two defenders and put the ball past Molina with barely any angle to shoot.
Raul introduces the Aguanis in the Intercontinental Cup
“Fans adore Zidane and Ronaldo, but they know how to appreciate those who grew up here, and no one can take that away from you.”
On 1 December 1998, Raul’s image was plastered around the world following the Intercontinental Cup against Vasco de Gama in Tokyo, where he invented his trademark double stepover and game-winning shot.
Two-time Pichichi
“I enjoy the responsibility I have: the fact that kids admire anything I say or do.”
Raul has finished as La Liga’s top scorer on two occasions. The first was in 1998/99 when he scored 25 goals to beat out Rivaldo by one. Two seasons later his 24 were again one better than the Brazilian.
Brace against Barcelona
“There have been many more good days than bad days during my career.”
On 13 October 1999, the forward lobbed in the equalizer in the Camp Nou with four minutes left to play. Raul silenced the stadium with one simple hand gesture, which over time has represented a symbol of contempt towards his critics.
Three Champions League titles“It was unimaginable several years ago, but I’m already thinking about the next one; you only remember the winner.”
Real Madrid’s 0-1 victory against Juventus on 20 May 1998 put an end to a 32-year drought in Europe. Two years later, on 24 May 2000, the Whites won the Eighth with a 3-0 drubbing against Valencia. Raul scored after a 60-meter scamper and a one-on-one with Cañizares. He also struck gold on 15 May 2002, when Real Madrid won its Ninth with a 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
100th cap
“Defending the national team colors is the greatest satisfaction for a Spanish football player.”
Raul made his Spanish team debut on 10 October 1996. A little over ten years later, 15 August 2006 to be exact, he earned his 100th cap against Iceland. The only other player to pass the century mark is Andoni Zubizarreta, but Iker Casillas is one appearance shy of 100.
All-time top scorer for Spain
“When I speak to retired players, they remind me how lucky I am that I am still playing. I want to enjoy this all I can.”
With 44 goals to his name, Raul is the all-time top scorer of the Spanish national team. He is followed by Villa (33), Hierro (29), Morientes (27) and Butragueño (26).
All-time top scorer of the Champions League
“I enjoy it now as much as I did then, when I would cross the entire city to go to the old Real Madrid Sports City.”
Raul is also the all-time top scorer of the UEFA Champions League having scored 66 goals in Europe’s top competition. He is followed by Van Nistelrooy (56), Henry (50), Di Stefano (47), Shevchenko (47), Inzaghi (44) and Del Piero (42). He was also the top scorer of the competition on two occasions. (99/00 and 00/01).
300 victories with Real Madrid
“I feel privileged to be part of Real Madrid, the club that watched me grow as a footballer.”
On 12 April 2009 against Valladolid, Raul became only the third player ever to earn his 300th Primera Division victory. Zubizarreta earned 333 and Sanchis 312. Currently, the captain is sitting on 309.
Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer in La Liga“Football has memory, which is why we cannot forget where we come from.”
Raul has scored 226 goals around Spain to become the top Madridista scorer of all-time in La Liga. Di Stefano is second with 216, followed by Santillana (186), Hugo Sanchez (164) and Puskas (156).
Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer overall
“I am just as excited to wake up and go train as I was when I started. Football is my passion.”
The Madridista forward has netted 321 goals to become the most prolific Real Madrid goal-scorer ever. He is again followed by Di Stefano (307), Santillana (290), Puskas (236) and Hugo Sanchez (207).
Most league matches played for Real Madrid
“I have had teammates who for one reason or another were lost along the way. Everything went right for me. I am lucky to have made it this far.”
On 23 September 2009 against Villarreal, Raul overtook Manolo Sanchis as the Madridista with the most league matches under his belt. Sanchis reached 523, while Raul now stands at 528.
Most official matches played for Real Madrid
“I have experienced many ups and downs, but it is the affection of all those who I have met along the way that matters most to me.”
Sanchis held the record of 708 official matches played for Real Madrid until 30 September 2009, when Raul took the pitch against Olympique de Marseille for his 709th official appearance. The mark now stands at 714.
Fouth all-time top scorer of La Liga
“Looking back on its history, players and people who have given their hearts and souls to this club, you realize that when you don this shirt you owe it to the millions of fans around the world who expect the best of you.”
Reaching the top spot in this ranking would be the icing on the cake. Raul is the fourth all-time top scorer of La Liga with 226 goals. Ahead of him are Alfredo di Stefano (227), Hugo Sanchez (234) and Zarra (251).
October 29, 2009
Is Rafa Benitez coming to Real Madrid?
Real Madrid are lining up Rafa Benitez as their next manager after giving Manuel Pellegrini two games to save his job.
The Spanish giants have won just one of their last five games and suffered the humiliation of a 4-0 defeat by third division Alcorcon in the Cup on Tuesday night.
Madrid considered sacking Pellegrini straight after the latest debacle, but will give him a chance to turn things around against Getafe on Saturday and at AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The decision gives Madrid time to probe possible successors and Liverpool boss Benitez is said to be on the short list.
A host of out-of-work coaches are also being considered, but Madrid want to know if Benitez's commitment to Liverpool has been shaken by the ongoing boardroom dispute between the club's American owners.
All eyes are on Pellegrini after 4-0 defeat
"Go now!" sports daily Marca blared on Wednesday's front page, alongside a photograph of a shattered-looking Pellegrini.
Madrid-based AS led with "Ridicule of the century" while Barcelona-based Sport wrote: "This is the beginning of the end for Pellegrini."
After the game, Real's Chilean coach brushed away questions over whether he would consider resigning and club director general Jorge Valdano said it was important everyone stood together.
Team captain Raul echoed Valdano's calls.
"We win and we lose together so absolutely everyone is to blame," the striker said. "The display we put on isn't the one the club deserves, or one that sits well with our history. We ask for forgiveness and remind people the tie isn't over yet.
"If there is a club that knows about comebacks it is Real Madrid."
Daily El Mundo spread the blame beyond Pellegrini and questioned the motivation of Real's players saying: "None of them were able to replicate the exceptional work of Alcorcon: the commitment, the pressuring, the pace and the goals.
"Alcorcon showed all the properties a fan would want to see in their team."
The return leg is at the Bernabeu in two weeks and Alcorcon coach Juan Antonio Anquela - who was being dubbed 'Anqueloti' in the media - fought to keep the result in perspective while fans celebrated on the pitch outside.
"We haven't achieved anything yet. Real are capable of putting five past anyone," he said.
Pellegrini does not have the luxury of time to put things right. He faces a flurry of high-profile matches before trying to prevent a second consecutive Cup exit to a Segunda B side in the Cup.
Real were embarrassed by Real Union in the last season's competition.
He has a second city derby at home to Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, a trip to Milan in the Champions League next Tuesday, and then a third local derby at Atletico Madrid in the league.
October 27, 2009
Pellegrini Press Conference
During Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini pointed out that Alcorcon is a good team that will put up a tough fight.
Is the Copa del Rey an objective for the team?
Real Madrid's goal is to win every competition. It is important to at least make an effort. We also have the league and Champions League to play for, but that isn't a reason to let the Copa fall by the wayside. It will be a more attractive competition the longer it wears on. But our first goal is to qualify for the Last 16.
This competition usually sees the participation of a lot of youth teamers, but that isn't the case now.
We cannot let our guard down. If I didn't call up academy players it is because I want the most gelled squad possible. We need fulfill our objectives, which right now are the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
What do you expect from Alcorcon? Have you studied the team?
We went to see their recent matches. They are a good team that was nearly promoted last season. The only difference nowadays is the motivation factor. They will be highly motivated, so I hope Madrid knows how to counter.
How is Cristiano Ronaldo's ankle? How is his recovery going?
He is recovering as expected. I think he will undergo another tests tomorrow, but the doctors have the final say.
How are Garay and Benzema? Are they ready to play?
Garay is perfect and Benzema sustained a knock against Milan, but nothing to worry about.
Did the fact that you announced the squad list last night upset the players?
There is no uneasiness. I have not met with the captains and they have not expressed this supposed uneasiness. We get bored by having to play at ten at night, but it is necessary when you are participating in a competition. Today is a long day, but I think the team is committed. Perhaps some players don't agree, but they aren't upset.
October 25, 2009
Real Madrid want Steven Gerard
"It's no secret Gerrard is a player Perez and technical director Jorge Valdano admire," a source inside the club announced to British tabloid The Sun.
"There is a shortlist for next season and Gerrard is the first name on it."
Having signed Xabi Alonso from the Premier League side last summer for €30 million, los Blancos are looking to spend around the same amount on the 29-year-old.
Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez is already under heavy fire after an awful start to the season and he would be loath to lose his star midfielder.
October 20, 2009
October 16, 2009
Real Madrid earns most from TV
Los Galacticos came out on top in the Football Transfer Review study as they were shown to earn €136 million-per-season from their deal with Mediapro.
Barca are third, below Manchester United, with income of €116 million, while the rest of the teams in la Primera are lucky to earn under 50 per cent of that.
Manchester United are also behind Madrid in marketing; replica kits and other merchandise earn the Spanish giants €129 million each year.
Matchday income is won by the Red Devils though as the Premier League champions make €128 million compared to Madrid's €101 million.
Despite claiming that they have to keep a tight rein on their budget, Bayern Munich are Europe's fourth biggest earner raking in €295 million, with €177 million coming from marketing.
De la Red joins Granero on Onda Deportiva: "I don't lose hope of returning"
Ruben de la Red, who hasn't set foot on the pitch since fainting almost a year ago, joined Esteban Granero to Onda Cero's radio show Onda Deportiva.
De la Red:
"It is not easy to accept the fact that you cannot play when you don't know what is wrong with you. You cannot fight against something when you don't know what it is. We have to first figure out what it is and then make the appropriate decisions."
"I would be in much worse shape if I didn't handle it like think. I must keep a positive outlook and not dwell on it too much." si
"The worst is not knowing everything that is wrong. No one can tell me what I have and what is causing it. There is always an open door."
"I go to every match. I am still a member of the squad. I am injured, but not excluded from the team. I am just a player who is unavailable. I feel like part of the team and need to support my teammates."
"I prefer to think about the diagnosis than playing. I don't lose hope of returning, but I need medical proof so that the doctors and I can make that call."
Granero:
"Perhaps we haven't connected well at the Bernabeu, but we have played very well on the road. We were very serious against Espanyol and we created a lot of chances."
De la Red:
"The team will become more solid as it plays more matches."
Granero:
"Pellegrini knows what he wants and he expresses that to the team. He told me he has faith in me and that he will treat me like all the rest. I believe him and he has stayed true to his word. The rest all depends on the players' work. We must be ready to give our very best."
September 20, 2009
Real Madrid 5 - 0 Xerez [Highlights Video & Photo Gallery]
It is nice that Nistelrooy is back with a goal after a long injury.Hope he will get better and better and will be one of the most important players of the team again.
September 01, 2009
Usain Bolt at Santiago Bernabeu [Photo Gallery & Video]
August 29, 2009
Season 2009/2010 gets Started for Real Madrid
Real Madrid is entering the season with super transfers.Real Madrid transfered several world-stars for the second Galacticos project. Cristiano Ronaldo is the biggest transfer of this summer (96.000.000£).He will be a big part of the team.Real Madrid also transferred Kaka who is one of the best players in the world,Lyon's striker Karim Benzema,Xabi Alonso from Liverpool,Raul Albiol....
Real Madrid has big targets this year again.We all want to win La Liga title and Champions League trophy very much.
Hope to have a great season with the second Galacticos.