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La Liga Season 10/11

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Getafe confirm Dubai deal

26 April 2011

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Getafe president Angel Torres has confirmed the sale of the La Liga club to the Royal Emirates Group for a fee of up to 90 million euros.

The Dubai-based Royal Emirates Group announced they had completed the takeover last Thursday, before Torres reportedly said the next day that a deal had not been finalised.

After four days of limbo, Torres has now confirmed that the sale will go through, bringing with it a much-needed increase in the club's budget to approximately 65 million euros.

Getafe finished sixth in La Liga last season, but are down in 14th this time around, just two points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining.

"We trust in the people that come so the club can keep growing," Torres said, referring to the new owners.

"I'm a winner. I'm not content to be in 14th place or suffering like we have this year. I want to be among the top six and in European positions."

"Neither me or my partners have money or help from the Spanish banks to build a project, or a budget to make that a reality."

The takeover deal attracted controversy after it emerged that the club was to be rebranded 'Getafe Team Dubai' in a publicity stunt from the new ownership.

But the Royal Emirates Group have since confirmed the original name and crest will not change, while the present staff of the organisation will be retained.

Getafe mayor Pedro Castro insisted that he would not allow Getafe use of the public Coliseum Alfonso Perez Stadium if the name change went ahead.

"If I'm here it is to guarantee the social policies - no matter who owns the club," Castro said.

"If it is not like this, these are municipal facilities and are not going to be used for any other things than these social policies."

"I say it clearly - they are municipal, 100 per cent of the council, and it is the council who decides how they are used and if these social policies that Getafe have been maintaining are fulfilled."

 
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Valencia 3 - 6 Real Madrid
All Goals & Full Match Highlights 23.04.2011
 

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La Liga preview: Barcelona, Real refocus on domestic matters

29 April 2011

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Still bristling from their fiery Champions League clash, Barcelona and Real Madrid return to tussling over the La Liga title this weekend.

Barca must overcome the distraction of their 2-0 win in the hostile environs of the Bernabeu, a victory that seemingly assures of them a trip to Wembley for the Champions League final, when they visit Real Sociedad on Saturday.

The Catalan giants lead Real by eight points in the La Liga standings, an uncomfortably close margin with five games still remaining in the season, and could be making do without Lionel Messi for the trip to San Sebastian.

Messi, for whom superlatives are fast becoming inadequate, scored both of Barca's goals in the semi-final first leg to take his season tally to 52 across all competitions.

But the Argentinean superstar reportedly suffered a minor muscle tear in the process, and given the 23-year-old's history of soft-tissue injuries it is believed Pep Guardiola will put his talisman on ice for Real's return leg at the Camp Nou next week.

Messi's absence will no doubt be welcome news for struggling Sociedad, who have lost six of their past seven league outings and sit a mere three points from the drop zone in 12th.

Real have plenty of their own distractions to deal with, not the least an ongoing UEFA investigation into inflammatory comments made by manager Jose Mourinho following their loss to Barca.

The proud club, still seething after Pepe saw red for a challenge on Barca defender Dani Alves, will carry that frustration into their home clash against Real Zaragoza.

Zaragoza escaped the relegation zone with a 1-0 defeat of Almeria last time out, but are still just two points from the bottom three and perilously close to the Segunda Division.

Also on Saturday, Atletico Madrid will look to put some distance between themselves and fellow Europa League hopefuls Sevilla with a trip to Deportivo La Coruna.

They will need to be at their best, as Sevilla face an almost-certain win on Sunday when they take on bottom-placed Almeria, who are winless in five games.

Valencia can go some lengths to shoring up third place when they visit Osasuna, who find themselves in the relegation places at the wrong end of the season on the back of a four-match losing streak.

Villarreal, meanwhile, can get back into the hunt for third place when they host Getafe.

Rounding out Sunday's fixtures, mid-table sides Levante and Sporting Gijon face off at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Malaga host Hercules in a relegation dogfight and Mallorca face a Racing Santander outfit hoping to avoid a third successive loss.

Finally, European hopefuls Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol come together for what should be a terrific match at the Estadio Cornella-El Prat on Monday.

 

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La Liga wrap: Weakened Barcelona, Real defeated

1 May 2011

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League leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid both lost in a remarkable day of La Liga action on Saturday.

Having all but conceded the title and with a Champions League semi-final return leg to worry about, a weakened Real Madrid line-up went down 3-2 against struggling Real Zaragoza.

However, the gap between second placed Real Madrid and Barca remains eight points after Pep Guadiola's side was also defeated 2-1 by Real Sociedad.

At the Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho's side were without key players Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Oezil, Angel Di Maria and Emmanuel Adebayor, and went two goals behind thanks to strikes from Lafita and Gabi on either side of half time.

Defender Sergio Ramos grabbed one back for Real, only for Lafita to double his tally on 77 mnutes and restore Zaragoza's two-goal buffer.

French striker Karim Benzema again reduced the margin with five minutes remaining, but Ricardo Carvalho's dismissal a minute later ended any hopes of a comeback.

Barcelona failed to take advantage of Real's slip up, however Guardiola also took the chance to rest some of his stars.

Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Victor Valdes and David Villa were all rested, but Argentine superstar Lionel Messi did start, and it was he who provided the assist for Thiago Alcantara to score the opener on 29 minutes.

Barcelona had a second goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, and lowly Sociedad stunned the visitors on 71 minutes when Diego Ifran pounced on a loose ball in the six yard box and poked the ball past goalkeeper Jose Pinto.

Xabi Prieto then converted from the penalty spot with seven minutes remaining in regular time after Javier Mascherano brought down Antoine Griezmann in the area, and the hosts clung on to a memorable three points.

It was the first time the two Spanish powerhouses lost on the same weekend of league football since May 23-24 2009, when Barcelona lost 1-0 to Osasuna and Real lost to Mallorca 3-1.

Atletico Madrid consolidated fifth spot and the Europa League berth that goes with it following a 1-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna.

Neither side made much of an impact going forward in the first period, but Deportivo defender Alberto Lopo's dismissal on the hour mark turned the match, with Sergio Aguero breaking through for the winner on 80 minutes.

The result leaves Deportivo just three points clear of the relegation zone in 14th.

 

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La Liga wrap: Malaga edge towards safety

2 May 2011

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Third-placed Valencia slipped up against lowly Osasuna, who saw fellow strugglers Malaga skip away from the La Liga relegation zone on Sunday.

Osasuna dealt Valencia's direct Champions League qualification hopes a blow after defeating them 1-0 at home.

An own goal from Lithuanian Marius Stankevicius on the hour was enough to hand the home team the three points at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra in their fight against the drop to the Segunda Liga.

The slip-up means Valencia are now only three points ahead of Villarreal, who collected a positive result against Getafe.

Michel's men are now just two points clear of the relegation zone after they lost 2-1 away to Villarreal.

The visitors led at the break thanks to Pedro Rios' first-half effort, but Cani levelled for Villarreal before Italy international and former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi struck to secure the points for the home side.

Malaga beat Hercules 3-1 at home on Sunday to climb away from the drop zone.

Visitors Hercules took the lead through Paraguay international Nelson Valdez four minutes into the match at La Rosaleda, but former Real Madrid attacker Julio Baptista levelled for the home side just a minute later.

Hercules went down to 10 men in the 66th minute after Argentine Matias Fritzler received a second yellow.

Malaga passed up a chance to take the lead when midfielder Apono missed a penalty on 68 minutes, but they were in front four minutes later when Venezuelan forward Salomon Rondon found the back of the net.

Baptista struck his second and his side's third on 76 minutes to make it 3-1, lifting Malaga up to 15th and four points clear of the relegation zone.

Hercules remain second from bottom and are now four points adrift of safety.

Elsewhere, Racing Santander put distance between themselves and the relegation battle courtesy of a valuable 2-0 win at home to Mallorca.

First-half goals from Swedish duo Markus Rosenberg and Kennedy Bakircioglu secured the points for hosts Racing, with Ivan Ramis missing a penalty for the visitors at Estadio El Sardinero.

The win sees Racing climb to 13th, five points clear of the drop zone.

Bottom side Almeria are now 11 points from safety after they lost 1-0 at home to Sevilla.

Brazil midfielder Renato scored the winner for Sevilla in the 58th minute.

Almeria had already been reduced to 10 men after Danish defender Michael Jakobsen received his marching orders seven minutes into the second half.

Levante were held to a 0-0 draw at home by fellow mid-table side Sporting Gijon.

 

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La Liga: Espanyol 2 Athletic Bilbao 1

3 May 2011

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Espanyol have accounted for fellow La Liga mid-table side Athletic Bilbao 2-1 on Monday to keep their Europa League hopes alive.

Striker Pablo Osvaldo opened the scoring for Espanyol in the 35th minute before the Basque outfit levelled 10 minutes later through winger Markel Susaeta's free kick to cancel out the lead.

Controversy struck just before the half-time whistle when referee Jose Antonio Vitienes failed to award a penalty to the hosts after Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz brought down Ivan Alonso in the box.

The Catalans, however, ensured the decision would not have a telling impact on the final result.

Scorer Osvaldo turned provider for Uruguayan forward Alonso, who applied the finish to claim the three points for his side in the 76th minute.

Espanyol now sit in eighth and three points from opponents Bilbao, who had dropped back into seventh during the weekend after both Sevilla and Atletico Madrid earned away wins.

 

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Mourinho slapped with five-match ban

6 May 2011

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Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has received a five-match ban for comments he made following the Champions League first-leg loss to Barcelona.

Mourinho's team were knocked out 3-1 on aggregate in the tie but it was the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 27 which was filled with controversy.

A Lionel Messi brace gave the Catalans victory, but Mourinho, defender Pepe and second-choice Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto were shown red cards.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Board handed Mourinho a five-match ban, inclusive of the one he has already served during the second leg at the Nou Camp on Tuesday and a 50,000 euro fine.

A statement from the club on Friday read: "Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed from the bench in the first leg and made an inappropriate statement at the post-match interview, has been suspended for the next five UEFA club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible."

After the 2-0 loss on April 27, Mourinho was critical of German referee Wolfgang Stark.

"As soon as Pepe was sent off, all of their (Barcelona's) problems were solved," Mourinho said after the game.

"If, in a sporting sense, it's difficult to turn this around, I would say it's now mission impossible."

"If we go there (Nou Camp) and score a goal, they will kill us again. We have no chance. They have to get to the final and that's that."

Defender Pepe was suspended for one game after his challenge on Barcelona full-back Dani Alves saw him shown a straight red card in the clash, meaning he has already served his suspension.

Real Madrid have been fined 20,000 euros for the 'improper conduct' of their fans.

Barcelona's Pinto was given a three-match ban after he received red for his involvement in a half-time scuffle and he too has already served one of those three games.

The recipients have three days to appeal their bans.

 

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La Liga wrap: Madrid make Barcelona wait

8 May 2011

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Real Madrid have ensured Barcelona will wait at least another week to claim the La Liga title after romping to a 6-2 win at Sevilla.

Portuguese maestro Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show, with four goals in a virtuoso performance that would have delighted his manager Jose Mourinho.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka also got on the scoresheet for Real, as did defender Sergio Ramos, who powered Madrid into the lead after 21 minutes with a header, while Alvaro Negredo scored both goals for Sevilla.

The result means Real trail Barca by five points and have three matches remaining, although Barca have four games to play and take on Espanyol at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao climbed into fifth place - which would guarantee them a place in next year's Europa League - with a 3-2 win over Levante at home.

Goals from Gaizka Toquero, David Lopez and Fernando Llorente had Bilbao cruising at 3-0 just after the hour mark but late strikes from Christian Stuani and Victoriano Nano ensured some anxious moments for the hosts in the closing stages.

Atletico Madrid's grip on sixth place looks tenuous after they were thrashed 3-0 at home by Malaga, who had goals from Rondon, Julio Baptista and Enzo Maresca to thank for their fourth successive league win.

On-loan Spurs midfielder Giovani dos Santos scored a brace to help Racing Santander take a big step towards La Liga survival with a 3-2 win at Hercules, who look certain to face the drop.

Almeria were not so fortunate, and their 2-0 loss at Getafe confirmed a relegation that has looked likely for much of the campaign.

Sporting Gijon had a late penalty from David Barral to earn them a 2-2 draw at home against Deportivo La Coruna, while Valencia moved six points clear of third-placed Villarreal - who play on Sunday - with a 3-0 home win over Real Sociedad.

Roberto Soldado scored twice for the hosts, and Brazilian striker Jonas scored the other.

 

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La Liga wrap: Barca on brink of crown, Osasuna climb

9 May 2011

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Barcelona re-established their eight-point lead on top of La Liga with a comfortable 2-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday.

After Real Madrid thumped Sevilla 6-2 on Saturday and closed the gap to five points, Pep Guardiola's team extended the margin back to eight points thanks to goals from Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique - putting Barcelona within touching distance of a third consecutive La Liga title.

It took 29 minutes for Iniesta to break the deadlock after he cut inside from the left and buried his shot into the bottom corner.

Pique doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half when he headed in a corner from Xavi at the near post.

Espanyol sit in eighth, four points from sixth-placed Atletico Madrid.

Osasuna scored three times in the last 30 minutes to move out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 win over Real Zaragoza.

Camunas, Sergio and Kike Sola struck in the second half after Lafita had given Zaragoza a 15th-minute lead.

The win moved Osasuna into 14th, two points clear of relegation, while Real Zaragoza slipped to 17th, only out of the drop zone on goal difference.

In Sunday's other game, Mallorca and Villarreal played out a 0-0 draw.

Villarreal remain fourth on the table with Mallorca sitting in 11th.

 

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La Liga wrap: Deportivo in crucial win, Ronaldo strikes again

11 May 2011

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Deportivo La Coruna pulled clear of La Liga's relegation zone, while Cristiano Ronaldo hit a sixth hat-trick of the season for Real Madrid.

Deportivo's upset 2-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao helped them leap from the clutches of the relegation zone to 14th, sending Real Zaragoza down to 18th as a consequence.

Athletic Bilbao - who could have all-but stitched up a Europa League spot with victory - took a third-minute lead when striker Gaizka Toquero finished crisply past former team-mate Daniel Aranzubia in the Deportivo goal.

But led by playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron, Deportivo found a way back into the match on 22 minutes when Adrian Lopez's shot was deflected into his own net by Athletic midfielder Carlos Gurpegi.

Fernando Llorente hit the crossbar with a trademark header shortly before half-time, while the two sides traded efforts when the second half got underway.

But Deportivo was to claim all three points when Athletic defender Castillo only succeeded in sliding an Adrian cross past goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz as he attempted to clear.

The win puts Deportivo three points above the relegation zone with two games of the season remaining.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo took his goal tally in all competitions this season to 49 courtesy of another hat-trick - this time in a 4-0 win over struggling Getafe at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo's treble was completed with of a 90th-minute penalty, with Karim Bezema having poked home in the 77th minute with his first touch of the game to put Real 3-0 up.

Real remain second and five points behind league-leaders Barcelona, while Getafe are just one point above the drop zone.

Atletico Madrid failed to do themselves any favours in their bid for Europa League football next season after losing 2-1 at Racing Santander.

Atletico took an 11th-minute lead through Mario Suarez, but goals either side of half-time from Swedish duo Kennedy Bakircioglu and Markus Rosenberg handed Racing the win.

They move to ninth on the table, while Atletico are in sixth and have Sevilla lurking just goal difference away.

In a match that meant little for either end of the table, Julio Baptista and Eliseu struck to propel Malaga to a 2-0 home win over Sporting Gijon.

 
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Gonzalo Higuain

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Sevilla 2 - 6 Real Madrid
All Goals & Highlights 07.05.2011



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Barcelona 2 - 0 Espanyol
All Goals & Highlights 08.05.2011
 

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La Liga wrap: Barcelona seal third straight title

12 May 2011

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Barcelona have claimed their third straight La Liga crown after drawing 1-1 away to Levante on Wednesday.

Requiring only one point to sew up the Spanish top flight title, Pep Guardiola's men led courtesy of Seydou Keita's well-placed header from a Xavi free kick in the 27th minute.

Levante struck back in the 41st minute, when Felipe Caicedo got the better of Barca shot-stopper Victor Valdes.

Lionel Messi almost put the visitors ahead midway through the second half, but his shot rebounded back into play off the post.

That was as close as either side came to scoring in the closing stages, Barca doing enough to seal their 21st La Liga title and third in succession.

The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes from the all-conquerin Barcelona outfit, which can go on to claim a trophy double if they beat Manchester United in the Champions League final later at Wembley Stadium in London later this month.

Elsewhere, Real Zaragoza's hopes of escaping the relegation zone were dealt a serious blow after they went down 2-1 to fellow strugglers Real Sociedad.

Raul Tamudo gave Sociedad the lead after 24 minutes at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta, but Gabi looked to have given Zaragoza a share of the points when he equalised on 54 minutes.

But Mikel Aranburu broke Zaragoza hearts when he netted in the 88th minute, sending Sociedad five points clear of the drop zone.

Zaragoza remain one point from safety.

Almeria snapped a seven game losing run when they held on for a 0-0 draw against fourth-placed Villarreal.

Sevilla appeared poised to leap into the Europa League spots after going 2-0 up at Osasuna inside the first 30 minutes, but three second-half goals helped the home side to a thrilling 3-2 win.

A two-minute brace from striker Alvaro Negredo had Sevilla on their way, only for Kike Sola to reply with his own double for Osasuna.

And an unlikely victory was claimed when - just four minutes after his substitution for defender Miguel Flano - towering Serbian striker Dejan Lekic prodded home from Javier Camunas' cut-back in the 90th minute.

With two games remaining, Sevilla are goal difference from Atletico Madrid in the final Europa League spot.

Hercules' relegation is all but confirmed after a 2-2 draw at home with Mallorca, leaving the Alicante club six points and goal difference from safety.

Valencia twice took the lead at Espanyol, only for Pablo Osvaldo and then Ernesto Galan to strike and force a 2-2 draw.

 

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Barca take celebrations to the streets

14 May 2011

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Barcelona fans have continued to celebrate their La Liga triumph, taking to the streets in an open-top bus parade.

Thousands of fans lined the sidewalks of Barcelona to celebrate with their heroes on Friday, just two days after they wrapped up the league title with a 1-1 draw at Levante.

Pep Guardiola's side have lost just two league matches all season, and can clinch a double if they topple Manchester United in the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28.

But for the next couple of days at least, the focus is firmly on celebrating the club's third successive La Liga crown.

"There is no point thinking about others because Barcelona are the best team in the world," midfielder Xavi said during the celebrations.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes was also clearly delighted with his side's feats this season, echoing Xavi's thoughts.

"If anyone wonders why we are here, it's because we are the best," Valdes said.

Barca will continue their celebrations when they host Deportivo La Coruna at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

 

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La Liga wrap: Relegation battle set for thrilling finish

16 May 2011

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Real Zaragoza sent the La Liga survival battle down to the final round with a 1-0 win at home to Espanyol on Sunday.

Deportivo La Coruna managed a point in a 0-0 draw away to champions Barcelona, meaning third bottom Zaragoza had to get at least a point to avoid relegation.

But they went one better, with a goal in the 55th minute from Argentine midfielder Leonardo Ponzio securing three vital points that to move Zaragoza one point behind Deportivo.

Javier Aguirre's Zaragoza are away to Levante on the last day of the season next Sunday, with Deportivo at home to Valencia.

Getafe are 16th and one point clear of the drop after they won 2-0 at home to Osasuna.

The defeat leaves Osasuna still in trouble at two points outside the bottom three, in 13th place.

Mallorca, in 14th, are another team that could go down on the final day after they lost 3-1 away to relegated Almeria.

Levante managed a point with a 0-0 draw away to third-placed Valencia.

In what makes for a nervy finish to the season, 12th-placed Levante are one of seven teams that could join Almeria and Hercules in the second tier next season.

In other matches, Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 3-1 away from home.

Real's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice in the victory to take his tally to 38 league goals for the season, equalling the all-time Spanish top-flight record.

He is now seven ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi and on course to collect the Pichichi trophy for the La Liga top scorer.

Sevilla could yet secure Europa League qualification after beating Real Sociedad 3-1.

Former Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute struck twice in the home win for Sevilla, which sees them join sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao and fifth-placed Atletico Madrid on 55 points.

Bilbao drew 1-1 at home to Malaga while Atletico won 2-1 at home to relegated Hercules, with ex-Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes scoring the winner.

Sporting Gijon came from a goal down to beat fellow mid-table side Racing Santander 2-1.

 

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Villarreal 1 - 3 Real Madrid
All Goal & Highlights 15.05.2011
 

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Kaka staying at Bernabeu

18 May 2011

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Kaka has no plans to leave Real Madrid, despite AC Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi urging the Brazilian to re-sign for the Serie A club.

Speaking on radio last week, Berlusconi said he would be willing to sign the Real Madrid midfielder.

"Kaka is an extraordinary man," Italy's Prime Minister said.

"If he wants to come back to Milan we will welcome him with open arms."

The Brazilian’s future at the Bernabeu has been under a cloud as he has struggled for form and fitness since his move from Milan in 2009.

Kaka has been limited to a handful of appearances this campaign after recovering from major knee surgery.

However, the South American seems to have ruled out the possibility of quitting his Spanish club over the summer.

"The two years that I have spent in Spain have not been easy for me," Kaka said.

"But we won the Spanish Cup and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League this term. That bodes well for the future."

"I want to be a winner at Real Madrid. This is what I want to achieve."

"I want to stay because I had a very difficult two seasons at Real Madrid because of injuries with my knee and now I want to be in good shape for the next season to come back into good form and play good for this team."

 

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La Liga preview: Relegation haunts six
19 May 2011

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As many as six teams are all in danger of relegation in what promises to be a tense climax to the La Liga season on Saturday.

As things stand, third bottom Real Zaragoza occupy the final relegation berth. They are one point from safety and play at Levante.

Promoted last season, Levante are six places and three points better off than Zaragoza, but are safe from the relegation mire.

But Mallorca, Real Sociedad, and Osasuna - 13th, 14th and 15th respectively - are all one point worse off than Levante.

They are level on 44 points, two points clear of the relegation zone.

Mallorca are at home to Atletico Madrid, who must win if they are to have a chance of finishing in a Europa League qualification spot.

Osasuna host Villarreal, a team already assured of fourth place and a route into the Champions League qualification rounds.

Sociedad are at home to Getafe, who are just one point clear of the relegation zone in 16th place.

Level with Getafe on 43 points, but beneath them in 17th place courtesy of an inferior goal difference, are Deportivo La Coruna.

Deportivo won the La Liga title in 2000 and reached the Champions League semi-finals as recently as 2004, but could find themselves in the second tier next season, unless they pick up points at home to third-placed Valencia.

In other matches, Real Madrid fans could be in for a goal glut when Cristiano Ronaldo, soon to be confirmed as winner of the Pichichi award for the league's leading scorer, takes to the field against already-relegated Almeria.

Sporting Gijon travel to Hercules, who have also already been consigned to the Second Division, while champions Barcelona are away to Malaga.

In the fight to secure a Europa League berth, fifth-placed Sevilla are away to Espanyol, while sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao also away against Racing Santander.

Sevilla and Bilbao are level on 55 points and need to win if they are to keep ahead of Atletico.

 

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La Liga wrap: Depor down, Ronaldo breaks record
22 May 2011

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Deportivo La Coruna have been relegated from La Liga after a 2-0 home loss to Valencia on Saturday.

Their loss meant that Mallorca and Getafe will keep their spot in Spanish football’s top-flight despite their failure to win on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for most goals scored in a league season with a double in Real Madrid’s 8-1 humiliation of bottom side Almeria.

But there were tears for Deportivo - a semi-finalist in the Champions League in 2004 and a consistent top-half finished in La Liga in recent seasons - who enter the Segunda Division for the first time since 1991.

Starting the game one spot above the drop zone, things looked bad for the hosts after just four minutes when striker Aritz Aduriz struck.

As Deportivo chased a result and grew ever more desperate, the gaps at the back became bigger, culminating in Roberto Soldado’s match-sealing goal on 96 minutes.

If Deportivo had snatched a draw, they would have stayed up on goal difference after Mallorca lost 4-3 at home to Atletico Madrid.

A Sergio Aguero double and Juanfran's strike in the first hour had Atletico cruising, but a Jonathan de Guzman penalty and a Pierre Webo header in a 10-minute spell gave Mallorca a chance.

A third to Argentina striker Aguero with nine minutes to play sealed the result, although Cameroon forward Webo got his second in injury time as Mallorca claimed 17th on the table to escape the drop.

Cata Diaz’s ninth-minute goal gave Getafe the point they needed to remain in La Liga with a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad, who were also battling relegation.

Real Zaragoza, who began the day in the bottom three, won 2-1 at Levante thanks to a double from midfielder Gabi.

In Madrid, Ronaldo’s double allowed him to finish the La Liga campaign with an incredible 40 goals, two better than former record-holders Hugo Sanchez and Telmo Zarra.

The goals came easy in the 8-1 rout, with Portugal forward Ronaldo opening his account after just four minutes and sealing his brace with 13 minutes to play.

Manchester City loanee Emmanuel Adebayor staked a claim for a permanent move to the club with a hat-trick in his final appearance under his current deal, while Karim Benzema snared a double and youth-team player Joselu scored the eighth in the dying stages.

Real finish the season having scored 102 league goals - the second time in succession they have hit three figures in a campaign.

Barcelona had to come from behind to defeat Malaga 3-1, ensuring they held onto their four-point lead at the top of the league.

Sebastian Fernandez’s early goal put the unfancied hosts into the lead, but midfielder Bojan Krkic’s penalty levelled proceedings.

Goals from Ibrahim Afellay and Marc Bartra in the last 15 minutes sealed the result.

In other matches, Osasuna beat fourth-placed Villarreal 1-0 while Sevilla won 3-2 at Espanyol. Former Spain, Lazio and Barcelona midfielder Ivan De La Pena played his last game for the latter before his retirement.

Athletic Bilbao also won away from home with a 2-1 triumph at Racing Santander while already-relegated Hercules could only manage a goalless draw at home to Sporting Gijon.

 
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