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La Liga Season 10/11
- Thread starter floorfilla
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Mourinho takes pressure off young Galacticos
Mourinho takes pressure off young Galacticos
27 November 2010
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho admits his uncertainty over his young team's ability to cope with their first Clasico on Monday night.
(GSM) - Real Madrid manager José Mourinho admits his uncertainty over his young team's ability to cope with their first Clasico on Monday night. Mourinho takes his newly-shaped Real side, who are top of the Primera Division after 12 games just one point ahead to Barcelona, into their first visit to the Nou Camp.
But despite Real's good start under Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician is aware that the challenge could be too much for his inexperienced stars. "You never know how the team will react," he told AS. "Physically we are fine and know what to do, but we face a team that has had a lot of time working together and we have only had a few months.
"But, in any case, we must be prepared for any eventuality."
Mourinho has a long history with Barcelona during his time at Chelsea and Internazionale and bids to shower the Catalans with even more misery as he continues his project of building a powerful, hard-to-beat Real side. "It's very important the coach has a clear idea of what he wants: how to play, how to work each day," he said. "It is one thing to admire someone but something else to copy them.
"You must learn from people who have been successful while always keeping your own personality. "It is our responsibility to put on a great game - the coaches, the players and the referee," Mourinho added. "We have to give the world a super game." Mourinho could be without striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is struggling with a back injury. Karim Benzema is expected to step in the first-team.
Mourinho takes pressure off young Galacticos
27 November 2010
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho admits his uncertainty over his young team's ability to cope with their first Clasico on Monday night.
But despite Real's good start under Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician is aware that the challenge could be too much for his inexperienced stars. "You never know how the team will react," he told AS. "Physically we are fine and know what to do, but we face a team that has had a lot of time working together and we have only had a few months.
"But, in any case, we must be prepared for any eventuality."
Mourinho has a long history with Barcelona during his time at Chelsea and Internazionale and bids to shower the Catalans with even more misery as he continues his project of building a powerful, hard-to-beat Real side. "It's very important the coach has a clear idea of what he wants: how to play, how to work each day," he said. "It is one thing to admire someone but something else to copy them.
"You must learn from people who have been successful while always keeping your own personality. "It is our responsibility to put on a great game - the coaches, the players and the referee," Mourinho added. "We have to give the world a super game." Mourinho could be without striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is struggling with a back injury. Karim Benzema is expected to step in the first-team.
La Liga preview: Real, Barca ready for Clasico
La Liga preview: Real, Barca ready for Clasico
27 November 2010
One match dominates proceedings in La Liga this weekend, with Real Madrid travelling to Barcelona for the hugely anticipated 'Clasico'. League leaders Real arrive at the Camp Nou for Monday's match with a one-point advantage over their arch rivals after seven wins in a row.
Barcelona have managed six successive victories - including an 8-0 demolition of Almeria last Saturday - meaning something has to give in the first of two annual showdowns between Spain's fiercest rivals. The match is being billed as a shootout between La Liga's rampant top scorers - Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has bagged 14 goals in 12 games, up against Barcelona's Lionel Messi, one goal behind the Portuguese.
For added spice, Jose Mourinho will take charge of his first match against Barcelona since he ended their defence of the Champions League en route to winning the competition with Inter Milan last season. Mourinho has plenty of history with Barcelona. An assistant to former managers Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal between 1996 and 2000, he was dismissively referred to as 'the translator' during two visits to the club as Chelsea manager.
"The fans in the Camp Nou will never forgive me for denying them the opportunity to win the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu," Mourinho said. "I'm a persona non grata as far as Barcelonistas are concerned, so I'll get a hostile reception." With the top two already seven points clear of their nearest challengers, the chasing pack will be praying for a draw as they attempt to make up ground.
Third-placed Villarreal appear best placed to do so, they travel to bottom side Real Zaragoza on Saturday, while sixth play fourth respectively when Atletico Madrid host Espanyol.
Seventh-placed Sevilla are at home to Getafe. On Sunday, second bottom Almeria, who sacked coach Juan Manuel Lillo after their humiliation against Barcelona last weekend, will seek redemption away to Valencia, while Mallorca have a home game against struggling Malaga.
Two promoted sides meet when Hercules host Levante, Racing Santander are at home to Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad have an away match against Sporting Gijon.
Osasuna travel to face Athletic Bilbao in a midtable battle at San Mames.
La Liga preview: Real, Barca ready for Clasico
27 November 2010
One match dominates proceedings in La Liga this weekend, with Real Madrid travelling to Barcelona for the hugely anticipated 'Clasico'.
Barcelona have managed six successive victories - including an 8-0 demolition of Almeria last Saturday - meaning something has to give in the first of two annual showdowns between Spain's fiercest rivals. The match is being billed as a shootout between La Liga's rampant top scorers - Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has bagged 14 goals in 12 games, up against Barcelona's Lionel Messi, one goal behind the Portuguese.
For added spice, Jose Mourinho will take charge of his first match against Barcelona since he ended their defence of the Champions League en route to winning the competition with Inter Milan last season. Mourinho has plenty of history with Barcelona. An assistant to former managers Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal between 1996 and 2000, he was dismissively referred to as 'the translator' during two visits to the club as Chelsea manager.
"The fans in the Camp Nou will never forgive me for denying them the opportunity to win the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu," Mourinho said. "I'm a persona non grata as far as Barcelonistas are concerned, so I'll get a hostile reception." With the top two already seven points clear of their nearest challengers, the chasing pack will be praying for a draw as they attempt to make up ground.
Third-placed Villarreal appear best placed to do so, they travel to bottom side Real Zaragoza on Saturday, while sixth play fourth respectively when Atletico Madrid host Espanyol.
Seventh-placed Sevilla are at home to Getafe. On Sunday, second bottom Almeria, who sacked coach Juan Manuel Lillo after their humiliation against Barcelona last weekend, will seek redemption away to Valencia, while Mallorca have a home game against struggling Malaga.
Two promoted sides meet when Hercules host Levante, Racing Santander are at home to Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad have an away match against Sporting Gijon.
Osasuna travel to face Athletic Bilbao in a midtable battle at San Mames.
Casillas underlines El Clasico significance
Casillas underlines El Clasico significance
27 November 2010
Iker Casillas and Real Madrid are targeting one thing only in the first Clasico of the La Liga season with Barcelona: A win. Just one point separates Casillas' Real in top spot from bitter rivals Barcelona, with the powerhouse duo already opening up a buffer on the rest of the La Liga field.
The clash, on Monday, carries enough weight on its own, let alone with the chance to draw away from either side's rivals at this stage of the season. "This year we are determined to win," Spanish international goalkeeper Casillas told Marca. "Although we are a point ahead of Barcelona, I would not take a draw."
"There is so much equality between Real Madrid and Barca that the Clasico could decide the league." Casillas also commented on manager Jose Mourinho, who will lead his undefeated Real side into el Clasico for the first time: "With him we have become accustomed to not lose a game," Casillas said.
Casillas underlines El Clasico significance
27 November 2010
Iker Casillas and Real Madrid are targeting one thing only in the first Clasico of the La Liga season with Barcelona: A win.
The clash, on Monday, carries enough weight on its own, let alone with the chance to draw away from either side's rivals at this stage of the season. "This year we are determined to win," Spanish international goalkeeper Casillas told Marca. "Although we are a point ahead of Barcelona, I would not take a draw."
"There is so much equality between Real Madrid and Barca that the Clasico could decide the league." Casillas also commented on manager Jose Mourinho, who will lead his undefeated Real side into el Clasico for the first time: "With him we have become accustomed to not lose a game," Casillas said.
Veteran Spanish international Marcos Senna celebrated becoming Villarreal's all-time record league appearance holder with a fine opening goal as his side won 3-0 at 10-man Real Zaragoza on Saturday to close to within five points of league leaders Real Madrid.
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Marcos Senna (R) of Villarreal competes for the ball with Christian Gentner of Wolfsburg during the UEFA Europa League football match between Villarreal CF and VFL Wolfsburg at El Madrigal stadium on February 18, 2010 in Villarreal, Spain Photograph by: Manuel Queimadelos AlonsoCredit: Getty Images
The 34-year-old Senna, a Euro 2008 winner with Spain, made his 220th league outing for Villarreal to beat the previous best of Argentine Rodolfo Arruabarrena and scored a superb goal to boot, firing in a long distance shot in the eighth minute.
Spanish international winger Santi Cazorla, who along with Senna was left out of Spain's World Cup winning squad, doubled Villarreal's lead on 17 minutes and Brazilian international forward Nilmar weighed in with his eighth league goal of the season on 65 minutes.
Zaragoza had been reduced to ten men shortly before the third goal went in with Italian defender Mateo Contini sent off for a second bookable offence. "It was fundamental to win this match," said Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido. "It was a tough place to come despite what the league table said and we knew it would test us. We were concentrated from the beginning and fortunately we got the two early goals."
The win sees third-placed Villarreal close the gap on Barcelona and Real Madrid, four and five points ahead respectively, who face off on Monday in the first Clasico of the season at Camp Nou. Zaragoza prop up the table as new coach Javier Aguirre waits for his first win in charge.
In other matches, Sevilla crashed to their second successive home defeat with Getafe coming from behind to snatch a 3-1 win at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday. Sevilla took the lead through Mali forward Frederic Kanoute on 29 minutes but two goals in as many minutes saw Getafe turn the game on its head.
Manu del Moral levelled from the penalty spot on 57 minutes after a handball from Abdoulay Konko and two minutes later Miku Flores put Getafe in front before Pedro Rios clinched the points on 74 minutes with a fine goal. Sevilla stay down in seventh, seven points behind Villarreal, with new manager Gregorio Manzano struggling to make his mark.
Surprise package Espanyol take Atletico scalp
Surprise package Espanyol take Atletico scalp
Espanyol continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 3-2 win at Atletico Madrid on Saturday to move two points behind third-placed Villarreal in the Spanish first division. A 77th-minute winner from striker Pablo Osvaldo sealed only a second away win of the season for Espanyol, who had twice been pegged back by Atletico in a pulsating match.
Espanyol took a 21st-minute lead with Luis Garcia crashing in a penalty off the crossbar after Portuguese winger Simao had handled. Atletico equalised on the stroke of half-time with Portuguese international Tiago, on loan from Juventus, firing home after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.
Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni had a busy start to the second half as hosts Atletico pressed but Espanyol playmaker Joan Verdu fired his team into a fortunate 53rd-minute lead to stun the home fans. Argentine Sergio “Kun” Aguero levelled again for Atletico on 65 minutes, however the visitors continued to attack and Argentine-born Osvaldo, a five-million-euro signing from Bologna in the summer, scored a terrific winner 13 minutes from time. Espanyol, who have a perfect 18 points at home, now lie four points ahead of fifth-placed Valencia while Atletico are five points behind in sixth.
In other matches, Sevilla crashed to their second successive home defeat with Getafe coming from behind to snatch a 3-1 win at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday. Sevilla took the lead through Mali forward Frederic Kanoute on 29 minutes but two goals in as many minutes saw Getafe turn the game on its head.
Manu del Moral levelled from the penalty spot on 57 minutes after a handball from Abdoulay Konko and two minutes later Miku Flores put Getafe in front before Pedro Rios clinched the points on 74 minutes with a fine goal. Sevilla stay down in seventh, seven points behind Villarreal, with new manager Gregorio Manzano struggling to make his mark.
Surprise package Espanyol take Atletico scalp
Espanyol continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 3-2 win at Atletico Madrid on Saturday to move two points behind third-placed Villarreal in the Spanish first division. A 77th-minute winner from striker Pablo Osvaldo sealed only a second away win of the season for Espanyol, who had twice been pegged back by Atletico in a pulsating match.
Espanyol took a 21st-minute lead with Luis Garcia crashing in a penalty off the crossbar after Portuguese winger Simao had handled. Atletico equalised on the stroke of half-time with Portuguese international Tiago, on loan from Juventus, firing home after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.
Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni had a busy start to the second half as hosts Atletico pressed but Espanyol playmaker Joan Verdu fired his team into a fortunate 53rd-minute lead to stun the home fans. Argentine Sergio “Kun” Aguero levelled again for Atletico on 65 minutes, however the visitors continued to attack and Argentine-born Osvaldo, a five-million-euro signing from Bologna in the summer, scored a terrific winner 13 minutes from time. Espanyol, who have a perfect 18 points at home, now lie four points ahead of fifth-placed Valencia while Atletico are five points behind in sixth.
In other matches, Sevilla crashed to their second successive home defeat with Getafe coming from behind to snatch a 3-1 win at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday. Sevilla took the lead through Mali forward Frederic Kanoute on 29 minutes but two goals in as many minutes saw Getafe turn the game on its head.
Manu del Moral levelled from the penalty spot on 57 minutes after a handball from Abdoulay Konko and two minutes later Miku Flores put Getafe in front before Pedro Rios clinched the points on 74 minutes with a fine goal. Sevilla stay down in seventh, seven points behind Villarreal, with new manager Gregorio Manzano struggling to make his mark.
Soldado shines again as Valencia defeat Almeria
Soldado shines again as Valencia defeat Almeria
29 November 2010
MADRID (AFP) - Spanish international forward Roberto Soldado made it four goals in five days as Valencia defeated Almeria 2-1 at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday to close to within a point of fourth-placed Espanyol in the Spanish first division. Soldado netted twice in Valencia's 6-1 Champions League win over Bursaspor on Wednesday and followed that up with another brace as Valencia heaped more misery on second from bottom Almeria.
Former Real Madrid striker Soldado opened the scoring on 26 minutes, taking advantage of an unintentional piece of control with his head but the second goal on 57 minutes was a work of art. Aritz Aduriz cut a cross back from the right and Juan Mata produced a delightful flick to Soldado, who finished with aplomb to cap a fine team goal.
It was a losing start for new Almeria coach Jose Luis Oltra who took over from Juanma Lillo after Almeria's humiliating 8-0 loss against Barcelona last weekend. Valencia are now a point off the top four but must now brace themselves for two testing away fixtures at Real Madrid in the league and then at Manchester United in the Champions League.
Earlier Real Mallorca kept up their push for European football moving into the top six with a 2-0 home win over strugglers Malaga on Sunday. Mallorca followed up last weekend's impressive 2-1 win at Sevilla with another three points as two goals in four minutes clinched victory. Cameroon striker Pierro Webo opened the scoring on 50 minutes and Chori Castro doubled the lead four minutes later to kill off the game as Mallorca moved three points behind Valencia in sixth.
"At this stage the most important thing is having 21 points which relaxes us because of course it is easier to play when you are far away from the teams at the bottom," said Mallorca coach Michael Laudrup. Malaga languish third from bottom after their ninth defeat of the campaign with new coach Manuel Pellegrini, who took over at the beginning of November, failing to revive the team's fortunes.
In other matches, Hercules won the battle of the promoted sides triumphing 3-1 over fellow newcomers Levante on Sunday. A brace from Paraguayan international Nelson Haedo Valdez and a seventh league goal of the season from veteran France star David Trezeguet sealed a fine home win for Hercules.
Real Sociedad are the highest placed of the three promoted sides with a 3-1 away win at Sporting Gijon on Sunday lifting them to ninth two points off the top six. Athletic Bilbao joined Sociedad on 19 points thanks to a late 1-0 home win over Osasuna on Sunday thanks to a 90th minute winner from Carlos Gurpegui.
Elsewhere all eyes will be on Camp Nou on Monday when champions Barcelona host pacesetters and arch rivals Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season. Real are a point ahead of Barcelona after an unbeaten start under new coach Jose Mourinho and Madrid's Portuguese sensation Ronaldo believes it is a game that could decide the title. "It could be a decisive game because both sides are so even that these games could decide the championship," said Ronaldo.
Soldado shines again as Valencia defeat Almeria
29 November 2010
Valencia´s forward Roberto Soldado celebrates his second goal during the Spanish League football match Valencia vs Almeria at Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Valencia won 2-1.
Former Real Madrid striker Soldado opened the scoring on 26 minutes, taking advantage of an unintentional piece of control with his head but the second goal on 57 minutes was a work of art. Aritz Aduriz cut a cross back from the right and Juan Mata produced a delightful flick to Soldado, who finished with aplomb to cap a fine team goal.
It was a losing start for new Almeria coach Jose Luis Oltra who took over from Juanma Lillo after Almeria's humiliating 8-0 loss against Barcelona last weekend. Valencia are now a point off the top four but must now brace themselves for two testing away fixtures at Real Madrid in the league and then at Manchester United in the Champions League.
Earlier Real Mallorca kept up their push for European football moving into the top six with a 2-0 home win over strugglers Malaga on Sunday. Mallorca followed up last weekend's impressive 2-1 win at Sevilla with another three points as two goals in four minutes clinched victory. Cameroon striker Pierro Webo opened the scoring on 50 minutes and Chori Castro doubled the lead four minutes later to kill off the game as Mallorca moved three points behind Valencia in sixth.
"At this stage the most important thing is having 21 points which relaxes us because of course it is easier to play when you are far away from the teams at the bottom," said Mallorca coach Michael Laudrup. Malaga languish third from bottom after their ninth defeat of the campaign with new coach Manuel Pellegrini, who took over at the beginning of November, failing to revive the team's fortunes.
In other matches, Hercules won the battle of the promoted sides triumphing 3-1 over fellow newcomers Levante on Sunday. A brace from Paraguayan international Nelson Haedo Valdez and a seventh league goal of the season from veteran France star David Trezeguet sealed a fine home win for Hercules.
Real Sociedad are the highest placed of the three promoted sides with a 3-1 away win at Sporting Gijon on Sunday lifting them to ninth two points off the top six. Athletic Bilbao joined Sociedad on 19 points thanks to a late 1-0 home win over Osasuna on Sunday thanks to a 90th minute winner from Carlos Gurpegui.
Elsewhere all eyes will be on Camp Nou on Monday when champions Barcelona host pacesetters and arch rivals Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season. Real are a point ahead of Barcelona after an unbeaten start under new coach Jose Mourinho and Madrid's Portuguese sensation Ronaldo believes it is a game that could decide the title. "It could be a decisive game because both sides are so even that these games could decide the championship," said Ronaldo.
Angry Atletico coach resigned to punishment
La Liga - Atletico boss expects sanction
<abbr class="date updated" title="2010-11-28T11:00:00+00:00">Sun, 28 Nov 11:00:00 2010</abbr>
Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores expects to be punished after he lost his temper and was sent to the stands near the end of Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to Espanyol.
Sanchez Flores was furious with Espanyol midfielder Javi Lopez for what he felt was time wasting and a lack of respect and clashed with opposing captain Luis Garcia before being dismissed from the bench.
He had to be restrained by Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni and other players and officials when he tried to confront Garcia again after the final whistle.
"It seems unsporting to me, they were mocking us with this behaviour," he told a news conference after the match, which left Atletico in sixth on 20 points from 13 matches and Barcelona-based Espanyol in fourth on 25.
"It's important to know how to lose but it's also important to know how to win," he added. "I will accept whatever punishment that comes." Garcia said he had been surprised by Sanchez Flores's attitude as the Atletico coach had previously seemed an "educated person who respected the other team".
"I think it was a mistake on his part, nothing more," he told reporters. "I did not laugh at anyone, nor at a club as important as Atletico," he added. "I did not manage to talk to Quique at the end of the game and only wanted to congratulate my team mates. I imagine I will talk to him."
Reuters
La Liga - Atletico boss expects sanction
<abbr class="date updated" title="2010-11-28T11:00:00+00:00">Sun, 28 Nov 11:00:00 2010</abbr>
Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores expects to be punished after he lost his temper and was sent to the stands near the end of Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to Espanyol.
Sanchez Flores was furious with Espanyol midfielder Javi Lopez for what he felt was time wasting and a lack of respect and clashed with opposing captain Luis Garcia before being dismissed from the bench.
He had to be restrained by Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni and other players and officials when he tried to confront Garcia again after the final whistle.
"It seems unsporting to me, they were mocking us with this behaviour," he told a news conference after the match, which left Atletico in sixth on 20 points from 13 matches and Barcelona-based Espanyol in fourth on 25.
"It's important to know how to lose but it's also important to know how to win," he added. "I will accept whatever punishment that comes." Garcia said he had been surprised by Sanchez Flores's attitude as the Atletico coach had previously seemed an "educated person who respected the other team".
"I think it was a mistake on his part, nothing more," he told reporters. "I did not laugh at anyone, nor at a club as important as Atletico," he added. "I did not manage to talk to Quique at the end of the game and only wanted to congratulate my team mates. I imagine I will talk to him."
Reuters
ANALYSIS - Mourinho can plan Barca game with eyes closed
ANALYSIS - Mourinho can plan Barca game with eyes closed
02:00 GMT, Fri 26 Nov 2010
MADRID, Nov 25 (Reuters) - If there is one man who should know how to end Barcelona's four-match winning streak in the 'Clasico' it is Jose Mourinho.
His inside knowledge of the club is second to none after working as assistant to Barca coaches Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal in the late 90s but his record against them is mixed. He has knocked Barca out of the Champions League twice -- once with Chelsea and last season in the semi-finals with Inter Milan -- although the overall statistics read three wins, three draws and four defeats as manager of Chelsea and Inter.
On top of that, Mourinho has never won at the Nou Camp. However, the 'special one' is supremely confident that he has the tactics to get the better of his former employers. "I know how to play against Barca, from memory," Mourinho said in an interview back in September. "You can deactivate them by imposing your style. If you want to play the way they do, you will lose... because individually and collectively they are the best (at that style)."
TACTICAL DISCIPLINE
Inter's 3-2 aggregate win over Barca in the Champions League semis points the way forward and the watchwords are tactical discipline, physical fitness and psychological strength. "You can't let them catch you out in the first phase of possession," he said. "You have to go direct from the defensive area to the second or third phase with a long movement of the ball to surprise them.
"Barca have many more problems when they have to do steady build ups." Real's standard lineup this season, with Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in the midfield holding roles, will be bolstered by the tracking back and harrying of Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain in Monday's 'Clasico'.
Mourinho has said he prefers zonal rather than man-to-man marking and through strict adherence to this he will seek to cut the supply lines from Xavi and company to the number one dangerman, Barcelona's top scorer Lionel Messi. When Barca's possession breaks down, Real will try to pounce quickly on the counter-attack, with long balls behind their opponents' high defensive line.
PASSING GAME
The Catalans are second in the standings behind Real this season because they have dropped five points to the Madrid side's four in their 12 matches so far, and those five points were lost against teams managed by former Barca players.
Hercules's Esteban Vigo won 2-0 at the Nou Camp and Real Mallorca's Michael Laudrup drew 1-1 there last month. "Everyone knows how to play against Barcelona," former Danish international Laudrup told Reuters in an interview. "The problem is that it's one thing on paper and another thing on the pitch.
"Barcelona always need the ball to feel good. Madrid don't... because they have so much quality on the counter-attack. In just three passes it can be a goal." Barca will need plenty of zip in their passing game if they are to open up La Liga's tightest defence.
Pep Guardiola's side have essentially played the same way for a number of years, dominating possession, patiently working the ball around until they can pull the opposition open.
When they lose the ball they swarm around opponents looking to win it back deep in their rivals' half, and they will work hard to stop the game from opening up, when Ronaldo becomes a greater threat with wide open spaces to run in to.
Mourinho's Real have yet to lose in competitive or friendly matches since he took the helm and, with a one-point lead at the top, the onus will be on the hosts to make the running.
ANALYSIS - Mourinho can plan Barca game with eyes closed
02:00 GMT, Fri 26 Nov 2010
MADRID, Nov 25 (Reuters) - If there is one man who should know how to end Barcelona's four-match winning streak in the 'Clasico' it is Jose Mourinho.
His inside knowledge of the club is second to none after working as assistant to Barca coaches Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal in the late 90s but his record against them is mixed. He has knocked Barca out of the Champions League twice -- once with Chelsea and last season in the semi-finals with Inter Milan -- although the overall statistics read three wins, three draws and four defeats as manager of Chelsea and Inter.
On top of that, Mourinho has never won at the Nou Camp. However, the 'special one' is supremely confident that he has the tactics to get the better of his former employers. "I know how to play against Barca, from memory," Mourinho said in an interview back in September. "You can deactivate them by imposing your style. If you want to play the way they do, you will lose... because individually and collectively they are the best (at that style)."
TACTICAL DISCIPLINE
Inter's 3-2 aggregate win over Barca in the Champions League semis points the way forward and the watchwords are tactical discipline, physical fitness and psychological strength. "You can't let them catch you out in the first phase of possession," he said. "You have to go direct from the defensive area to the second or third phase with a long movement of the ball to surprise them.
"Barca have many more problems when they have to do steady build ups." Real's standard lineup this season, with Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in the midfield holding roles, will be bolstered by the tracking back and harrying of Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain in Monday's 'Clasico'.
Mourinho has said he prefers zonal rather than man-to-man marking and through strict adherence to this he will seek to cut the supply lines from Xavi and company to the number one dangerman, Barcelona's top scorer Lionel Messi. When Barca's possession breaks down, Real will try to pounce quickly on the counter-attack, with long balls behind their opponents' high defensive line.
PASSING GAME
The Catalans are second in the standings behind Real this season because they have dropped five points to the Madrid side's four in their 12 matches so far, and those five points were lost against teams managed by former Barca players.
Hercules's Esteban Vigo won 2-0 at the Nou Camp and Real Mallorca's Michael Laudrup drew 1-1 there last month. "Everyone knows how to play against Barcelona," former Danish international Laudrup told Reuters in an interview. "The problem is that it's one thing on paper and another thing on the pitch.
"Barcelona always need the ball to feel good. Madrid don't... because they have so much quality on the counter-attack. In just three passes it can be a goal." Barca will need plenty of zip in their passing game if they are to open up La Liga's tightest defence.
Pep Guardiola's side have essentially played the same way for a number of years, dominating possession, patiently working the ball around until they can pull the opposition open.
When they lose the ball they swarm around opponents looking to win it back deep in their rivals' half, and they will work hard to stop the game from opening up, when Ronaldo becomes a greater threat with wide open spaces to run in to.
Mourinho's Real have yet to lose in competitive or friendly matches since he took the helm and, with a one-point lead at the top, the onus will be on the hosts to make the running.
Barcelona v Real Madrid: El Clasico not a personal duel between myself and Lionel Messi, says Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has described suggestions that tonight's El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be a personal duel between himself and Lionel Messi as "nonsense".
Outstanding: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 14 league goals fo Real Madrid this season, leading Lionel Messi by one Photo: AP
By Emily Benammar and agencies 12:41PM GMT 29 Nov 2010
With Ronaldo leading Messi by one goal in the Spanish league, the press have hyped up the game as a battle between the Real Madrid winger, the most expensive player in the world, and Barcelona's Ballon d'Or winner.
Ronaldo has 14 league goals to his name while Messi has 13. However, insisting the match will come down to the performances of every individual on the pitch, the former Manchester United player said: "Talking about a duel between myself and Messi is nonsense. I am just one player and I don't think I have more pressure than my team-mates. We all have the responsibility to perform well.
"It's the press looking for confrontation in a bid to sell more. It is normal but I do not see this mach as a duel between Messi and me. We are playing 11 against 11. "Of course he (Messi) is a player who is scoring a lot of goals and he is dangerous, but we must concentrate on everyone. There is no duel between me him but between two of the best teams in Spain.
"Every player will do their best to help their team in what should be a good spectacle." With the Spanish League little over a third of the way though, Ronaldo also rubbished claims that the result of tonight's match will decide the fate of the La Liga title. Moreover, he believes that, even though Barcelona have won the last four Clasicos, Real's form has been outstanding so far this season and the result could go in anyone's favour.
"I'm expecting a very balanced game that will be decided on small details but I don't think that the defeated side will lose much in the long run," he said. "If they (Barcelona) win they go top, if we win we remain in front. The most important thing is we remember we have to keep fighting for the title. One win will not decide the league.
"We are stronger than last season and we go into the match without losing a match and have a lot more confidence and solidity." The Portugal international’s comments echo those of Real coach Jose Mourinho, who said: "This is an important match but decisive? All the games are important and every point dropped could be decisive at the end of the season. "After the Clasico there are 25 games left and a lot of points still to play for."
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Sevilla after Liverpool's Lucas
Sevilla after Liverpool's Lucas
30 November 2010
(GSM) - Sevilla are reportedly eager to make a move for Liverpool midfielder Lucas when the transfer window opens in January.
The Spanish club are keen to bolster their squad after Tiberio Guarente was sidelined, and the Brazilian midfielder may be available as he is reportedly 'unsettled' at Anfield because of the lack of first-team opportunities.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson could be tempted to cash in on Lucas in order to fund his own transfer plans this winter. Sevilla have also been linked with Lucas' teammate and their former midfielder Christian Poulsen.
Sevilla after Liverpool's Lucas
30 November 2010
Sevilla are reportedly eager to make a move for Liverpool midfielder Lucas when the transfer window opens in January.
The Spanish club are keen to bolster their squad after Tiberio Guarente was sidelined, and the Brazilian midfielder may be available as he is reportedly 'unsettled' at Anfield because of the lack of first-team opportunities.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson could be tempted to cash in on Lucas in order to fund his own transfer plans this winter. Sevilla have also been linked with Lucas' teammate and their former midfielder Christian Poulsen.
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Barcelona - Real Madrid 5-0 [ 29.11.2010 ] [ HD ]
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Barcelona - Real Madrid 5-0 [ 29.11.2010 ] [ HD ]
Barca defeat no humiliation, says Mourinho
Barca defeat no humiliation, says Mourinho
30 November 2010
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has denied his side were 'humiliated' by a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Barcelona on Monday.
The highly anticipated 'El Clasico' between La Liga's two biggest clubs could not have been any more one-sided, as Barca routed Real and made their star-studded line-up - and treble-winning manager - look ordinary.
But Mourinho, who witnessed the worst loss of his managerial career, says Real have no reason to be despondent after being hammered by the Spanish champions at Camp Nou. "One team played to their potential and one didn't," Mourinho told reporters after the match.
"Loss, yes - humiliation? No. It was a defeat we deserved, we just weren't good enough." "I don't think you can say it reflected the difference between the two sides. The championship isn't over today." Mourinho backed his footballers to shake off the dispiriting loss and show the fortitude to continue their tilt for a 32nd league title.
"We are two points behind the leaders but there are lots of games left to play," he said. "We have to show character, train hard and get back to winning. I wish we were playing tomorrow." "You have to have character - when you lose by five goals you can't leave crying, you have to go and work harder. You never want to lose by these numbers."
"I have spoken to my players and I told them the season has not ended. Who knows what can still happen this year?" Real midfielder Xabi Alonso rued Barca's blistering start, saying goals to Xavi and Pedro inside the opening 18 minutes made the task 'easier' for the Catalan club.
"We didn't expect a game like this but there's a lot of the season left and this isn't over," Alonso said. "Barcelona made things a lot easier for themselves by scoring the first so early and then getting the second quickly." "It's been very difficult. We have to learn from the mistakes we've made."
Barca defeat no humiliation, says Mourinho
30 November 2010
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has denied his side were 'humiliated' by a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Barcelona on Monday.
The highly anticipated 'El Clasico' between La Liga's two biggest clubs could not have been any more one-sided, as Barca routed Real and made their star-studded line-up - and treble-winning manager - look ordinary.
But Mourinho, who witnessed the worst loss of his managerial career, says Real have no reason to be despondent after being hammered by the Spanish champions at Camp Nou. "One team played to their potential and one didn't," Mourinho told reporters after the match.
"Loss, yes - humiliation? No. It was a defeat we deserved, we just weren't good enough." "I don't think you can say it reflected the difference between the two sides. The championship isn't over today." Mourinho backed his footballers to shake off the dispiriting loss and show the fortitude to continue their tilt for a 32nd league title.
"We are two points behind the leaders but there are lots of games left to play," he said. "We have to show character, train hard and get back to winning. I wish we were playing tomorrow." "You have to have character - when you lose by five goals you can't leave crying, you have to go and work harder. You never want to lose by these numbers."
"I have spoken to my players and I told them the season has not ended. Who knows what can still happen this year?" Real midfielder Xabi Alonso rued Barca's blistering start, saying goals to Xavi and Pedro inside the opening 18 minutes made the task 'easier' for the Catalan club.
"We didn't expect a game like this but there's a lot of the season left and this isn't over," Alonso said. "Barcelona made things a lot easier for themselves by scoring the first so early and then getting the second quickly." "It's been very difficult. We have to learn from the mistakes we've made."
Kaka set to return to training
Kaka set to return to training
Dec 1, 2010 3:08 PM | By Sapa-AFP
<hr class="space"> Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Kaka is set to return to training after four months out of action through injury, the club said on Wednesday.
<hr class="space">
Kaka (L) and goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Real Madrid talk with each other during a training session on the campus of UCLA on August 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Photograph by: Kevork Djansezian Credit: Getty Images
“A specific field work regimen that should see the player rejoin the team by the initial deadline has been prescribed” following a meeting between the club’s medic and the player’s personal doctor, Real said.
When the 28-year-old underwent surgery on his knee at the beginning of August, Real predicted he would be sidelined for up to four months.
The sports newspaper Marca said two weeks ago that Kaka would return to the pitch in January. Kaka won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007 while he was at AC Milan.
He joined Real for 65 million euros in June 2009 at the same time as Portuguese playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo but had a disappointing first season with the Spanish club due to niggling injury problems.
His position has been filled by Germany’s Mesut Ozil, who joined Real before the start of the current season from Werder Bremen.
Kaka set to return to training
Dec 1, 2010 3:08 PM | By Sapa-AFP
<hr class="space"> Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Kaka is set to return to training after four months out of action through injury, the club said on Wednesday.
<hr class="space">
Kaka (L) and goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Real Madrid talk with each other during a training session on the campus of UCLA on August 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Photograph by: Kevork Djansezian Credit: Getty Images
“A specific field work regimen that should see the player rejoin the team by the initial deadline has been prescribed” following a meeting between the club’s medic and the player’s personal doctor, Real said.
When the 28-year-old underwent surgery on his knee at the beginning of August, Real predicted he would be sidelined for up to four months.
The sports newspaper Marca said two weeks ago that Kaka would return to the pitch in January. Kaka won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007 while he was at AC Milan.
He joined Real for 65 million euros in June 2009 at the same time as Portuguese playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo but had a disappointing first season with the Spanish club due to niggling injury problems.
His position has been filled by Germany’s Mesut Ozil, who joined Real before the start of the current season from Werder Bremen.
Higuain facing surgery for herniated disk
Higuain facing surgery for herniated disk
2 December 2010
MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid's Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain has a herniated disk and may need to undergo surgery which would sideline him for around two months, the Spanish club's doctor Carlos Diez said Wednesday.
"After a period of five to six weeks, during which no improvement was seen, we all agree that he should have surgery. We must now decide what specialist to see for a second opinion, and if we all agree, proceed with the operation," he told reporters.
"Should this be the case, Higuain will be unable to participate in sports for approximately two months," he added. The 22-year-old has not played since Real's 5-1 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on November 20.
He was replaced by French striker Karim Benzema during Real's 5-0 away loss to Barcelona on Monday. Higuain has scored seven times in La Liga and twice in the Champions League this season.
Sports daily Marca reported Tuesday that Real could seek to recruit a new striker in the winter transfer period to make up for Higuain's absence if he needed to undergo surgery.
It said Werder Bremen's Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida was a strong candidate.
Higuain facing surgery for herniated disk
2 December 2010
Real Madrid´s Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, seen here on November 14, has a herniated disk and may need to undergo surgery which would sideline him for around two months, the Spanish club´s doctor Carlos Diez said Wednesday.
"After a period of five to six weeks, during which no improvement was seen, we all agree that he should have surgery. We must now decide what specialist to see for a second opinion, and if we all agree, proceed with the operation," he told reporters.
"Should this be the case, Higuain will be unable to participate in sports for approximately two months," he added. The 22-year-old has not played since Real's 5-1 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on November 20.
He was replaced by French striker Karim Benzema during Real's 5-0 away loss to Barcelona on Monday. Higuain has scored seven times in La Liga and twice in the Champions League this season.
Sports daily Marca reported Tuesday that Real could seek to recruit a new striker in the winter transfer period to make up for Higuain's absence if he needed to undergo surgery.
It said Werder Bremen's Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida was a strong candidate.
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