La Liga Season 2011/2012

[Falcao]

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"Mourinho has created a legacy"
Former Brazil star Paulo Roberto Falcao believes that Jose Mourinho has created a legacy in the history of football.

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Adriano faces week out of action
Barcelona utility man Adriano is set to miss the weekend's La Liga match against Levante with a thigh injury.

Alonso predicts Real rollercoaster
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso expects there to be plenty of highs and lows between now and the end of the season.

 

[Falcao]

Pepe in awe of Gaitan, Fernando

1 December 2011

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Real Madrid defender Pepe has voiced his claims to bring Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan and Porto's Fernando to the Spanish giants.

A Portugal international, Pepe also had words of praise for Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho, but stressed that Madrid already have Mesut Ozil in his position.

"Who would I sign if I were Real Madrid president? I really like Gaitan. He has a lot of creativity and has the quality to play for a club like Real Madrid," Pepe told O Jogo.

"Another player who I really like is Porto's Fernando. He has the quality to play for Madrid, too. So those are the two players I'd bring to the club."

"Joao Moutinho is a great player as well and has a lot to give to Porto and Portuguese football. I don't see him at Madrid, though, because we already have Ozil."

Gaitan has recently been linked with clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester United, while Fernando has reportedly caught the attention of several Serie A sides.

 

[Falcao]

La Liga preview: Real Madrid aim to maintain lead at the top

1 December 2011

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Enjoying the role of this season's dominant force in La Liga, Real Madrid are doing all they can to leave Barcelona trailing in their wake.

Forced to settle for the runner-up spot in the title race for three consecutive seasons, Real apparently have no intention of finishing second best to arch-rivals Barca again in 2011/12.Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho is enjoying his second season in charge at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, and the team are beginning to show the effects of his magic touch.

Real have embarked on a 13-match winning streak in all competitions, and lead the La Liga standings approaching the halfway point of the campaign.Their 4-1 derby victory over Atletico Madrid last Saturday, coupled with Barca's shock 1-0 loss at Getafe, left Real six points clear of the defending champions at the top of the table.

It was the biggest margin between the teams in the league standings since Pep Guardiola took over as Barca coach in 2008.The gap was closed on Tuesday when Barca defeated promoted Rayo Vallecano 4-0 at home, in a match brought forward due to the Champions League winners' FIFA Club World Cup commitments.

Guardiola's men have a tricky assignment at home to fourth-placed Levante on Saturday, while Real travel to face Sporting Gijon.Despite their apparent advantage, Real fullback Alvaro Arbeloa knows all too well how quickly things can change.

"We're happy because we've been doing a good job and that mentality is what's allowed us to win 13 straight games," Arbeloa said."We're having a good run and must keep up the good work while never relaxing.""This is November and we must be patient because there are many league games yet to be played. We're not even close to winning any titles." "It doesn't matter what sort of cushion we have over the runners-up now because the league is far from over."

In other matches this weekend, third-placed Valencia will hope to stay in touch with the top two by beating Espanyol at home.Bottom side Racing Santander host Villarreal without the services of coach Hector Cuper, who was sacked on Tuesday due to poor results.

In Sunday's fixtures, Atletico will look to recover from their chastening defeat away to rivals Real when they host Rayo.Fifth-placed Malaga are away to Real Sociedad and Osasuna will be favourite in their match at home to Real Betis.

Mid-table Athletic Bilbao visit underperforming Mallorca, while promoted Granada await the visit of a struggling Real Zaragoza.Finally, Europa League hopefuls Sevilla are at home to Getafe in the only match to be played on Monday.

 

[Ricardo Kaka]

Maradona hits back at old foe Pele

2 December 2011

Diego Maradona sarcastically accused old rival Pele of taking the 'wrong medication' over claims Neymar is a better player than Lionel Messi.

The Brazil legend, a three-time World Cup winner, said that Santos striker Neymar is a 'more complete' footballer than Barcelona forward Messi.

"Making an individual comparison, I think Neymar is much better, more complete: (he) hits well with both feet, can dribble off either side, and scores goals," Pele said."Messi is very good, but much depends on where he plays. He is doing very well in Barcelona, but (with) the Argentina team, which is not yet fully formed, he has difficulties. Neymar plays well for both Santos and the national team."

But Argentina great Maradona rejected the notion on Thursday, taking the opportunity in a press conference to direct yet another attack at his opposite number."He took the wrong pill," said Maradona. "Instead of taking the pill for before bedtime, he took his morning pill."

"He got confused and he doesn't know what he's saying … I suggest that next time he takes the right medication before he starts to speak, and that he changes his doctor."Pele and Maradona are arguably the two greatest footballers in the history of the sport - though who is better is a matter of debate.

Neymar and Messi were among the 55 players shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2011 on Thursday.​

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Mourinho to promote Sahin

3 December 2011

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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has stated that Nuri Sahin is ready to play in the Spanish international Xabi Alonso's absence.

The former Liverpool midfielder is unavailable for the capital-city side's trip to Sporting Gijon's El Molinon on Saturday through suspension, with the Turkey international Sahin set to deputise in the La Liga fixture.

The Portuguese tactician acknowledged that the 30-year-old is a key man for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit, but believes in the ability of the ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder."Xabi is important, but he is not available and we will play another player who is very good, and of the same template," Mourinho told AS.

"This week we have thought of ways to play without an important man. It is part of the championship.""Sahin has been injured, but is now ready to play."The Turkish summer signing only recently made his debut for Los Blancos against Osasuna on November 6 after suffering a knee injury shortly after his arrival at the club.

Madrid go into the weekend's fixture three points ahead of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in the table, and also with a game in hand.Alonso, after serving his suspension, will be available for the El Clasico showdown next Saturday.

 

[Falcao]

La Liga wrap: Top three claim wins

4 December 2011

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There was no change at the top of La Liga on Sunday, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia all posting wins. Goals from Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo were enough for Real Madrid to secure a 3-0 victory over Sporting Gijon in their clash at El Molinon.

Argentina international Di Maria opened the scoring in the 34th minute, robbing Damian Suarez of possession down the left before cutting inside and firing a neat finish past Juan Pablo from a tight angle.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 to the visitors with 65 minutes gone, with Di Maria sliding a perfectly weighted ball through to his Portuguese team-mate, who drifted past Juan Pablo before firing into an empty net.

Sporting Gijon had midfielder Sebastian Eguren dismissed with 10 minutes remaining for a second caution and Real added a third in injury time through Brazilian Marcelo, wrapping up their 10th league win in succession and their 14th in all competitions.

Barcelona kept up the pressure on Real ahead of next Saturday's first El Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu by thumping Levante 5-0 at Camp Nou.Cesc Fabregas grabbed a brace before Isaac Cuenca stroked home to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break.

Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez - with his right-footed finish the pick of the goals - completed the rout in the second half.The result leaves Pep Guardiola's men three points behind Real, who have a game in hand over their fierce rivals, while Levante remain in fourth spot.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Valencia stayed in touch with the top two after being forced to work hard for their 2-1 home win over Espanyol.Roberto Soldado came off the substitutes bench to score with 10 minutes remaining for Valencia, securing victory in a spiteful affair that saw 10 bookings.

Tino Costa fired Valencia ahead from the penalty spot early on, but Hector Moreno deservedly levelled the match midway through the second-half.Soldado's late glancing header kept Valencia seven points behind Real.

Racing Santander had a first-half goal from Christian Stuani to thank for their 1-0 win over Villarreal.It was just Racing's second win of the season, and was achieved with caretaker boss Juanjo Gonzalez at the helm after Wednesday's sacking of Hector Cuper, following their disappointing start to the campaign.

 

[Falcao]

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Garrido: Villarreal showed no ambition
Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido believes his side displayed a distinct lack of desire in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Racing Santander.

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Emery: We failed to control the game
Valencia coach Unai Emery is aware his side have plenty to imrpve on despite them recording a 2-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday.

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Two-goal Cesc not thinking about Real
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists he is not thinking about next Saturday's highly-anticipated El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid.

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Mourinho satisfied with 'difficult' win
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was content after watching his side cruise to 3-0 away win over Sporting Gijon, a trip he describes as 'difficult'.

Villa content to stay at Barcelona
Barcelona striker David Villa insists he is content in Catalonia despite recent reports of unrest.

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Pique given all-clear for El Clasico
Barcelona's Gerard Pique will be eligible to face Real Madrid next week after escaping further punishment for the caution he received against Rayo Vallecano.

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"Media trying to bring Barca down"
Barcelona star Daniel Alves believes that the media furore over Gerard Pique's booking against Rayo Vallecano proves there is an agenda against his club.

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Messi's next goal is fatherhood
Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has admitted that his dream is to become a father soon.

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Dos Santos pens new Barca deal
Barcelona midfielder Jonathan dos Santos has signed a new contract with the European champions which will keep him at the club until 2015.

 

[Falcao]

La Liga wrap: Malaga cough up lead, Atletico too strong for Rayo

5 December 2011

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Malaga gave up the lead to lose 3-2 away to Real Sociedad in La Liga, while Atletico Madrid, Osasuna and Granada all won on Sunday.

Visitors Malaga trailed to Martin Demichelis' own-goal nine minutes into the match at Estadio Anoeta.Venezuela forward Salomon Rondon levelled for the away side on 20 minutes.His strike partner, Uruguay international Sebastian Fernandez, struck in the 59th minute to make it 2-1 to Malaga.

Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela looked to have snatched a draw when he equalised for Sociedad with a minute remaining.But the hosts did not stop there, and managed to steal all three points when Diego Ifran scored to make it 3-2 in the 92nd minute. Sociedad's second win in succession takes them up to 12th on the table, while Malaga's first defeat in four league matches leaves them fifth.

Elsewhere, Gabi, Radamel Falcao and Eduardo Salvio were all on target as Atletico Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-1 at home.Athletic Bilbao gained a point with a 1-1 draw away to Mallorca.

Venezuela defender Fernando Amorebieta headed visitors Athletic level in first-half stoppage time at the Iberostar Estadi, after forward Alvaro Gimenez Candela gave Mallorca an early lead when he was first to react in a goal-mouth scramble.

In other matches, Iran midfielder Javad Nekounam struck with a 93rd-minute free kick from the edge of the area to help Osasuna beat Real Betis 2-1 at home.Ruben Castro had levelled for Betis with 11 minutes to go thanks to Jonathan Pereira's sublime through ball at Estadio Reyno de Navarra, following Miguel Flano's first-half header for the hosts.

Finally, Odion Ighalo's 43rd-minute strike was enough for promoted side Granada to beat Real Zaragoza 1-0 at home.Granada's third win of the season sees them climb out the relegation zone, and leaves Zaragoza bottom of the table.

 

[Falcao]

Ballon d´Or shortlist announced

5 December 2011

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La Liga trio Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi Hernandez have been named on the three-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award.

It is the second consecutive year in which the three nominees for football's highest individual honour have come from the Spanish top flight.Messi is favoured to pick up a record-equalling third consecutive award after leading his Barcelona side to the Champions League title last season.

France legend and current UEFA president Michel Platini won the award on three straight occasions from 1983.Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, is Messi's closest threat after scoring 53 times for Real last term and helping his side claim the Copa del Rey.

Xavi, widely considered as the best midfielder in the world, also made the shortlist last year alongside Barca team-mates Messi and Andres Iniesta.Barca manager Pep Guardiola, Real contemporary Jose Mourinho and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson were nominated for FIFA Coach of the Year.

In the Female Player of the Year category, titleholder and Brazil star Marta, Japan's Homare Sawa and USA veteran Abby Wambach are nominated.Bruno Bini (France), Norio Sasaki (Japan) and Pia Sundhage (USA) are the candidates for the Coach of the Year title in women's football.

The winners of the awards will be announced on January 9 in Zurich.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

La Liga: Sevilla 3 Getafe 0

6 December 2011

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Sevilla move to within two points of fourth-placed Levante on the La Liga table after a 3-0 triumph over Getafe on Monday.

With the visitors offering little attacking threat at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, the Andalusian hosts made their possession count just after the half-hour mark when Federico Fazio leapt highest to nod Ivan Rakitic's corner in the net.

Manu del Moral came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Diego Perotti, and the former Getafe man was to haunt his former club by doubling Sevilla's advantage five minutes into the second period.

The Spain international fired home from the left-hand side of the area, and Getafe never looked like mounting a comeback.

Veteran forward Frederic Kanoute sealed a confident performance with a third Sevilla goal in injury time, leaving the visitors precariously positioned above La Liga drop zone in 16th.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

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Messi raring for Clasico showdown
Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has admitted that his team must prevail during Saturday's Claisco against their arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Agent: Valencia eyeing Van der Wiel
Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel has yet to speak to La Liga outfit Valencia, according to his agent Hakim Slimani.

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Pep delighted by Ballon d'Or shortlist
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was "honoured" after his side once again dominated the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards.

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Asier Del Horno facing lay-off

Levante left-back Asier del Horno has been ruled out for between six and eight weeks with a calf injury.​

 

[Nuri Sahin]

La Liga: Granada 2 Mallorca 2

8 December 2011

A Tomer Hemed penalty saw Mallorca claim a point in a 2-2 La Liga draw against Granada.Just half an hour's play took place on Wednesday, with both teams picking up where they left off on November 20.On that occasion the match was abandoned on the hour-mark after the referee's assistant was hit with an umbrella thrown from the stands.

Granada led 2-1 at that stage so the two groups of players returned for an unusual 30 minutes on Wednesday to finish their match.Both sides were given the green light to make a series of substitutes given the circumstances and it was one of Mallorca's changes that drew them level on 67 minutes.

Hemed stepped up when a penalty was given to the visitors and he converted for his fifth league goal of the season.And despite the best efforts of both sides, there was no winner as they were forced to share the spoils.The draw leaves Granada 12th on the table, two spots ahead of Mallorca.​

 

[Ricardo Kaka]

La Liga preview: All eyes on El Clasico

8 December 2011

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The first episode in this season's El Clasico is on Saturday when Real Madrid take on Barcelona at the Bernabeu.With three points separating league leaders Real Madrid from second-placed Barcelona, Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a repeat of April's Copa Del Rey final where Real's pressure on the ball earned them a 1-0 win.

In what could be a title-deciding, top-of-the-table clash, Barcelona have won four of their last five matches with a 4-0 thrashing of Bate Borisov in the Champions League and a 5-0 win over Levante the most recent.Real are in better form and have a game in hand, with 10 straight wins in the league including 3-0 wins over Ajax Amsterdam and Sporting Gijon.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Ricardo Carvalho are still sidelined and Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo will have their hands full against Lionel Messi , who has netted 17 league goals this season.Level on league goals with Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo will be anxious to avenge last season's 5-0 and 2-0 defeats against Barca.

Just four points behind Barcelona in third, Valencia travel to struggling Real Betis who are just one point above the relegation zone.Valencia have won four of their last five matches, narrowly losing 3-2 at home to Real Madrid in mid-November.They will be looking to in-form Roberto Soldado who has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season including nine in La Liga.

Fourth-placed Levante battle it out at home with fifth-placed Sevilla on Saturday as Levante try to bounce back from their 5-0 drubbing by Barcelona.Levante have lost four of their past five matches and will be hoping that Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone can pick up where he left off after taking his season tally to five goals following a brace in Levante's 4-0 home win over Sporting Gijon the week before.

After having their four-game unbeaten streak broken in a 3-2 last-gasp defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend, sixth-placed Malaga host seventh-placed Osasuna in yet another top half clash on Sunday.Osasuna are coming off 2-1 wins against Espanyol and Real Betis and will be looking to make it three in a row.

Just two points adrift, Espanyol host Atletico Madrid. Atletico's Colombian striker Radamel Falcao is fit again and might make his way back into the team alongside Adrian after netting 10 goals in all competitions this season.A point behind Atletico, Athletic Bilbao host relegation-threatened Racing Santander who have lost their last two.

In Sunday's other games, a struggling Villarreal kick off at home against Real Sociedad while Real Zaragoza host Mallorca with Getafe at home to Granada.

 

[Helder Postiga]

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Real play down Clasico significance
Aitor Karanka has played down the importance of Saturday's Clasico and insists Real Madrid will not alter their approach to end Barcelona's recent superiority in the fixture.

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Kaka: Real can improve further
Ahead of Saturday's highly-anticipated El Clasico clash with Barcelona, Real Madrid midfielder Kaka believes there is more to come from his side.

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Iniesta: Best Barca team I've played in
Midfielder Andres Iniesta has proclaimed that the current Barcelona squad is the best he has ever played with over the years.

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Sevilla plan Dos Santos swoop
Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez has hinted his club could make a second approach for Giovani dos Santos.

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El Clasico takes centre stage
Barcelona star Xavi is preparing to make his 600th official appearance for the club against their great rivals Real Madrid on Saturday night.

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Blues mourned Mourinho move
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho may never have joined the Spanish side if his former players at Chelsea had got their way.

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Fabregas: I couldn't give anymore
Former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has rebutted those who questioned his decision to depart to Barcelona by insisting he simply had to go.

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Guti predicts Real El-Clasico win
Guti is confidently predicting an emphatic 3-1 victory for his beloved Real Madrid outfit against Barcelona in Saturday’s El-Clasico fixture.

"El-Clasico may decide Villa's future"
Ex Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano believes that David Villa’s future at Barcelona could turn sour if he does not feature in Saturday’s El-Clasico clash against Real Madrid.

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Xavi: League position means nothing

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes league position counts for little when it comes to the passion of meeting arch-rivals Real Madrid in 'El Clasico'.​

 

[Helder Postiga]

"El-Clasico may decide Villa's future"

Ex Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano believes that David Villa’s future at Barcelona could turn sour if he does not feature in Saturday’s El-Clasico clash against Real Madrid.

Former Valencia goal-poacher Villa, who joined Barcelona in 2010 in a big-money transfer, enjoyed a brilliant first term with the Catalan giants last season, culminating in his side's La Liga and Champions League triumph.

However, Spain's record goal scorer has found the going tough this campaign, having been regularly benched by manager Pep Guardiola.

Coupled with the summer marquee signings of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, former honcho Valdano maintained that Villa's time at Barcelona could slowly draw to a close unless he is picked against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"It would not surprise me if Barcelona played Alexis (instead of Villa), who has found the net of late," the Argentine told Marca. "This game is key; if he is not selected it could condemn Villa to a secondary role, and he does not deserve this."

"There are also players like Pedro who have put in superb performances against Madrid in the past." "I hope Ozil will play. In Barcelona, Lassana Diarra would be more likely to feature, but at the Bernabeu, and with this euphoria, I think the German will play," the 56-year-old continued.

Valdano also remarked that Madrid chief Jose Mourinho's recent penchant for complaining against refereeing decisions in their recent El-Clasico fixtures will have to be clamped down.

"Talking about referees is something aesthetically deplorable in Madrid. The club cannot play that game ever again," he concluded.

Barcelon are trailing Madrid by three points going into Saturday's mouth-watering clash, with Madrid having the added advantage of a game in hand.<a href="http://www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news/detail/item719222/" el-clasico-may-decide-villa's-future"="" #"="" target="_blank">
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[Helder Postiga]

Blues mourned Mourinho move

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho may never have joined the Spanish side if his former players at Chelsea had got their way.

The highly successful Blues coach left under a cloud of controversy after an apparent bust-up with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in September 2007.

According to a new book published in Spain called ‘Mourinho: Secrets of his Success', senior Chelsea players tried everything to prevent the Portuguese from leaving Stamford Bridge. Club captain John Terry even attempted to convince Abramovich to not let Mourinho leave while star striker Didier Drogba 'wept like a child' when he realised there was no turning back for the manager in his decision to quit.

Excerpts from the book were quoted in the Daily Express including revelations from current Blues players like Paulo Ferreira.

"It is always complicated when a manager leaves a club, but this case was much more so," Ferreira was quoted as saying.

"Jose came into the dressing room, gathered us all together and told us he was leaving. Didier was one of the worst affected. He wept like a child."

Drogba added: "There was lots of emotion. It seemed unreal, as though it was a movie.

"We used to see him every day, and we were unprepared for him leaving. It was a real shock."

Terry also recalled how he took matters into his own hands - ultimately it proved a fruitless task.

"We spoke with the club, and told them clearly that we did not want Jose to go," he said.

"But he already had an agreement in place with the club."

Mourinho joined Inter Milan in 2008 after his exit from Chelsea and is now currently the manager of Real Madrid.
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[Helder Postiga]

La Liga wrap: Barca shock Real, Valencia beaten

11 December 2011

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Barcelona came from behind to win 3-1 at Real Madrid in an eventful Clasico, while Real Betis surprised Valencia 2-1 in La Liga on Saturday.

In the seventh and final Clasico of 2011, Real Madrid knew that a win would send them six points ahead of bitter rivals Barca with a game in hand.And Jose Mourinho's league-leading side made a lightning start by going in front after just 22 seconds - the quickest lead in Clasico history.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes' poor clearance fell to the feet of Real's Angel Di Maria, who drilled the ball into the penalty area only for Sergio Busquets to block its progress.The rebound fell to Mesut Oezil and his volley deflected off Busquets, before Karim Benzema was able to lash home from six yards.

Real continued to impress and they could have doubled their lead when Cristiano Ronaldo skewed his shot wide, though Di Maria was perhaps better placed to his right.The hosts were in control, with Barcelona's opportunities limited to counter-attacks. But the visitors levelled proceedings on the half-hour mark through Chile forward Alexis Sanchez.

Lionel Messi was the provider, with the 24-year-old skipping by several challenges before sliding a weighted through ball to Sanchez to fire home expertly from the edge of the areaBoth sides went into the break locked at 1-1, but that changed eight minutes after half-time, when Barcelona were handed the lead thanks to a large slice of fortune.

Xavi's speculative volley 25 yards from goal took a massive deflection off Marcelo to wrong-foot Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, with the ball spinning off the post and into the back of the net.Ronaldo then wasted another good opportunity, with the Real captain heading wide despite being completely unmarked inside the penalty area.

The hosts were made to pay for their profligacy, as a quick counter-attack ended with Cesc Fabregas scoring his eighth goal for his new club.Messi slid the ball out to Dani Alves on the right, who whipped in a terrific cross towards the backpost. It was met by an unmarked Fabregas, who headed home.

Real had some late opportunities to get themselves back into the contest, but Barca held firm to move to the top of the La Liga table.There was more great drama in Seville, as a pair of goals to Ruben Castro in injury time saw Real Betis defeat Valencia 2-1.A Dorado own-goal handed Valencia the lead with 24 minutes remaining, but Castro - who scored 27 goals last Segunda Division season for the club - made two telling interventions late in the piece.

The other La Liga match on Saturday saw Levante move five points clear in fourth after they defeated Sevilla 1-0, thanks to Nano's second-half goal.

 

[Helder Postiga]

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Clasico lost, Casillas defends Ronaldo
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has sprung to the defence of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after his side's 3-1 loss to bitter rivals Barcelona.

Mourinho: Clasico defeat not a failure
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was in defiant mood following Saturday's 3-1 loss to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Guardiola wary of Real fightback
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola declared himself delighted after his side's 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

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Barca win at Real to move top

Barcelona showed their character as they overcame an early setback to beat La Liga title rivals Real Madrid 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.​

 

[Helder Postiga]

Casillas: We were not ourselves

11 December 2011

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Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas believes his team were not playing their usual free-flowing style in their 3-1 loss to Barcelona on Saturday.

With the support of the Bernabeu faithful, Madrid made the ideal start, as Karim Benzema capitalised on a Victor Valdes error to score in the opening seconds of the match.But Jose Mourinho's side were pegged back through a goal from Alexis Sanchez on the half-hour mark, then a second-half own goal from Marcelo put Barca ahead before Cesc Fabregas sealed the win for the defending Spanish champions.

"We rushed our game and did not play in an orderly fashion," Casillas said."Barcelona's second goal conditioned the match and it may have affected us somewhat. (But) there are 30-something games left in the league and we cannot obsess about Barcelona.""This defeat hurts because we've been having a good run and we lost here at the Bernabeu.

Casillas then defended Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a gilt-edged chance with a header just before Barca scored their third goal."We all have to play at 120 per cent, not just Cristiano. We're a team and criticism is directed to all of us," Casillas said."We were unlucky, but we shouldn't use excuses. It was easier for them to play when they were leading 3-1, and it was consequently harder for us, with our lines separated and the match being so open."

Casillas said he was already moving on from the defeat: "Our future lies first in the Copa del Rey (against Ponferradina on Tuesday) and then in a vital match against Sevilla."The defeat means Madrid cede top spot to Barcelona, but both teams are level on 37 points, with Jose Mourinho's side having a game in hand.

 

[CheesePie]

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El Classico

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