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Falcao is throwing his career away by signing for Monaco
May 17, 2013 9:00:00 AM
The Colombian is quite rightly regarded as one of the most lethal finishers in world football but he now seems set to take a step down in level solely for financial gain
COMMENT
By Mark Doyle
Radamel Falcao is arguably the third-best forward in the world, coveted by Europe's biggest clubs and at 27-years-old set to embark on the prime of his career. Yet he is now poised to join the champions of Ligue 2. How could any true football fan be anything but bewildered by that last statement?
Of course, the Atletico Madrid ace does not owe us neutrals anything. He has got where he is today all on his own; through a combination of exceptional talent and hard work. He deserves his success. He deserves his wealth (as much as any top footballer can truly ‘deserve’ the ridiculous riches bestowed upon him by the modern game).
As Tottenham’s refreshingly honest Benoit Assou-Ekotto likes to point out, injury can curtail a career at any moment, so the onus is on a rational-thinking professional to make as much money as possible while he can.
However, Falcao has already been handsomely rewarded for his ability to place a ball in the back of a net with great regularity, having been the subject of two multi-million euro transfer deals during an eight-year professional career that has taken him from Argentina to Spain via Portugal.
His next move was always guaranteed to be his most lucrative. Indeed, Chelsea were willing to meet the Colombian's reported €60 million buy-out clause in order to take him to Stamford Bridge on what would have been a very handsome wage.
Regardless of how the game views the Blues, and the way in which they have acquired their domestic and European success, one would have at least been able to accept Falcao at face value if upon signing for the Premier League outfit, he had claimed that he had joined Chelsea in order to realise his ambition of winning the Champions League. Given the Londoners lifted the trophy last year, we might very well have believed him when he said it wasn’t about the money.
However, how else are we expected to react to the news that he is instead set to move to Monaco than by presuming that Falcao is motivated solely by financial gain? Surely he won’t have the audacity to claim that he has been lured to Monte Carlo by anything other than a near tax-exempt status that will enable him to earn a net salary of €10m-per-year? Surely he won't insult our intelligence by suggesting that he is driven by anything other than avarice? Surely he won’t speak of 'new challenges' and ‘exciting projects’, as Samuel Eto’o did when he accepted a world-record wage to join Anzhi Makhachkala two years ago?
At least in Eto’o's case, he could hide behind the fact that he had won all there was to win in the club game. The Cameroonian arrived in Russia a three-time Champions League winner; Falcao is merely the 'King of the Europa League'.
THE VIEW FROM SPAIN
Falcao signed up with Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes in 2011 and that led many to believe he would be moving to Madrid. And he did - but to Atletico and not Real. The two teams have a non-aggression pact, a gentleman's agreement which means they cannot sign each other's players. That stopped Sergio Aguero from crossing the city divide and it will likely halt Falcao from moving to the white side of the capital divide, too - at least for now.
Mendes, whose Gestifute agency is rumoured to have put up half of the €40 million fee paid by Atletico to Porto in 2011, boasts a healthy relationship with Real as Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho and Angel Di Maria are all on his books. And it is being speculated in Spain that the Portuguese will insert a clause into Falcao's Monaco contract which will allow him to move to los Blancos - something he cannot (in theory) do right now.
As a teenager, the Colombia striker revealed his dream to play for Real, a desire reiterated by his father last year. In the meantime, he would earn around €10 million tax free per year on the French Riviera. For a fourth season in a row, however, he would have no Champions League football.
- Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Expert
Yet by moving to Monaco that moniker could be as good as it gets for Falcao in terms of his legacy. Indeed, even if les Rouge et Blanc do win their battle with the French Football Association (FFA) over an extremely advantageous tax system that will allow them to attract other money-motivated characters to Monte Carlo, it will be at least another year before Monaco are in the Champions League.
Even then, as we have seen with Paris Saint-Germain, it is likely that it will take the Dmitry Rybolovlev-owned outfit a couple of years to establish themselves among Europe’s elite. By that stage, Falcao will be pushing 30 and what should have been the best years of his career will have passed, wasted while plying his trade away from a top club and outside of a truly top league.
In a sporting sense, that would be tragic. This is a player who almost single-handedly destroyed Chelsea in this season’s Super Cup final with a hat-trick of the highest order. Four months later, he lit up Camp Nou with a goal of such class that even the home fans could not help but applaud in admiration.
It was a perfectly understandable reaction from the Barcelona faithful. It has been obvious to anyone with a modicum of interest in the game that this is a player of rare talent. He belongs at the very highest level. He deserves to be playing Champions League football every year, preferably for Atletico, whom he is eminently capable of transforming into a major European force.
Falcao has been blessed with a precious gift and it would genuinely be a crying shame if he does not realise his full potential.
As the saying goes, the saddest thing in life is wasted talent. Falcao and his army of agents and financial benefactors have made his choice. It is the wrong one. And it will shape how we remember him forever.
The race for the last UEFA Champions League spot goes on in La Liga after Valencia and Real Sociedad both won on Saturday.
A goal from Jeremy Mathieu after 44 minutes proved to be decisive for Valencia in their 1-0 win over Getafe before all eyes turned to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Unfortunately for Valencia, Sociedad kept the heat on and returned to fourth place on goal difference with a 2-1 victory.
Ivan Rakitic gave the home side the lead after 10 minutes but his outing soon turned sour when he put through his own net six minutes later to level the scores.
Imanol Agirretxe's strike midway through the half handed Sociedad the advantage and the hosts' task was made even tougher when Jose Antonio Reyes was given his marching orders after half-time, leaving them no way back.
Elsewhere, Granada took a major step towards La Liga safety with a comfortable 3-0 win over relegation rivals Osasuna.
Youssef El-Arabi put them ahead with 23 minutes gone and though the home side had to survive some first-half pressure, they were given a helping hand when Nano saw red and conceded a penalty with 10 minutes to play.
Guilherme Siqueira stepped up and converted from the spot before Diego Buonanotte's strike wrapped up a much-needed three-point haul.
Barcelona remained on track to match Real Madrid's record tally of 100 points in La Liga with a narrow win over Real Valladolid on Sunday.
The newly-crowned champions dominated proceedings and a strike from Pedro as well as a Marc Valiente own-goal were enough to see off the visitors, despite Victor Perez’s late penalty for Valladolid.
Barcelona were missing Lionel Messi, who aggravated a hamstring injury in the victory at Atletico Madrid last weekend and is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Valladolid defender Antonio Rukavina was suspended after being shown his fifth booking of the season in the 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna last Saturday.
The visitors formed a guard of honour for the newly-crowned champions at Camp Nou, which was not at full capacity due to severe weather warnings in the city of Barcelona.
Gerard Pique made a bright start to the match and denied Omar Ramos with two strong blocks before floating a fantastic pass over the top of the Valladolid defence for David Villa, who was foiled by Carlos Pena.
Barcelona were in a celebratory mood and it did not take long for them to find their rhythm, with Pedro opening the scoring in the 21st minute.
Xavi stole possession in a dangerous area and slipped a pass into the path of the Spanish winger, who squeezed his strike underneath the goalkeeper from the right-hand side of the box.
Jordi Alba whipped a great cross towards Pedro at the far post as the hosts went in search of an immediate second goal, but Pena was on hand to produce a vital clearance.
The champions continued to pile on the pressure and Andres Iniesta saw an effort deflected just over the crossbar, after weaving his way into the Valladolid box.
Barcelona eventually found the net for a second time just before half-time when a whipped corner from Xavi bounced straight off former Barcelona defender Valiente and into the net.
The second half started in similar fashion as the first, as the torrential rain continued to pour down and Barcelona controlled proceedings.
Xavi went close with a side-footed effort from the edge of the area but Jaime managed to get down well to palm the ball away from the bottom corner.
The champions dominated possession throughout the second half and had a great chance to grab a third in the 63rd minute, following some good work down the left by Cesc Fabregas.
Pedro did well to shift the ball onto his right foot in front of goal but the 25-year-old blasted over the crossbar from 12 yards out when he looked certain to score.
Fabregas went close to finding the top corner, before Valladolid goalkeeper Jaime made two great saves to deny Barca a third in the closing stages.
He palmed away a curling Martin Montoya strike from inside the area before denying Villa with a wonderful stop to his left.
The rebound fell straight to Pedro and the midfielder had the simple task of finishing into an empty net, but he somehow hit the side-netting.
Valladolid were awarded a penalty against the run of play two minutes from time, after Javier Mascherano brought down Manucho.
Perez gave Victor Valdes no chance with the spot-kick as he drilled the ball high into the top corner.
However, the goal did not matter as the home side saw out the final few minutes to keep their record bid on track.
La Liga Wrap: Barcelona, Deportivo notch victories
20 May 2013
La Liga champions Barcelona remained on track to match Real Madrid's record tally of 100 points by beating Real Valladolid on Sunday.
The newly crowned champions dominated proceedings at Camp Nou and a strike from Pedro combined with a Marc Valiente own goal were enough to see off Valladolid in a 2-1 victory.
Victor Perez scored a late penalty for the visitors, after Javier Mascherano brought down Manucho, but it was not enough to spoil Barca's title celebrations or damage their chances of equalling Madrid's record from last season.
Elsewhere, Deportivo La Coruna moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Estadio Riazor.
Bruno Gama gave his side the lead after 50 minutes when he hit a wonderful curling drive from outside the area beyond Cristian Alvarez.
The victory was sealed deep into stoppage time as Deportivo broke forward and Nelson Oliveira lobbed the on-rushing Espanyol goalkeeper.
Real Zaragoza's chances of survival were dealt a blow after Athletic Bilbao scored two late goals to beat them 2-1.
Helder Postiga gave Zaragoza a first half lead when he headed Federico Montanes' cross over the goalkeeper and into the corner of the net.
However, Bilbao found an equaliser ten minutes from time through Fernando Llorente before Ibai Gomez netted the winner with a deft back-heeled flick in the 92nd minute.
Rayo Vallecano survived a late fightback from Levante to win 3-2 and stay in the hunt for a Europa League spot.
Piti opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he smashed in the rebound of an Adrian free-kick, before Levante's Robert Acquafresca levelled the tie in the 52nd minute.
However, the hosts were back in front just four minutes later, through Franco Vazquez, and they had the chance to score a third from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute.
Alejandro Dominguez was brought down by Ruben Garcia inside the area and Piti sent Keilor Navas the wrong way for his 17th goal of the season.
Levante gave themselves a glimmer of hope in the 86th minute when Vincente Iborra headed home Garcia's cross from close range, but Acquafresca missed a great chance to equalise in the closing stages as he shot too early when through on goal.
Mourinho had to go - Real Madrid are better off without him The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
Atletico give green light for Falcao exit Following their qualification for the Champions League, general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin has reiterated that the club will not stand in the striker's way if he opts to leave
Del Bosque urges Casillas: Keep your discipline The Spain coach has offered his support to the Real Madrid goalkeeper and insists he remains la Roja's No.1 in his eyes
Hummels denies Barcelona contact The Borussia Dortmund defender has revealed that the Blaugrana have not yet approached him in order to secure his services
Messi: I never thought of leaving Barcelona The Argentine ace has reiterated switching clubs has never crossed his mind to date and is confident defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League will make his side stronger
Neymar: Campeonato defeat was not my last game for Santos The striker has stated that he intends to carry on playing for the Brazilian club despite continued reports linking him with a summer switch to Barcelona
Alves open to PSG or Monaco move The Barcelona star says he would consider a switch to one of the two Ligue 1 financial behemoths at the end of the season
Real Madrid party bus remains empty Los Blancos appeared to think victory was a foregone conclusion, but there was no cause for celebration in the end
Barcelona celebrate La Liga success but health worries cast doubt over Vilanova future The Catalan coach thanked players and staff after the Blaugrana beat Valladolid at Camp Nou on Sunday, but now flies to New York for more "pioneering" cancer treatment this week
Scolari admits Neymar talks with Rosell The Brazil coach has spoken highly of the player's attitude to the Camp Nou chief, as speculation mounts over the forward's future
Diego confirms 'concrete offer' from Atletico Madrid The playmaker has revealed that there has been contact with los Rojiblancos, raising the possibility of him once again leaving to join Diego Simeone's team
Granero: Casillas is a symbol at Real Madrid The QPR midfielder believes the Spain international is the best goalkeeper in the world, despite losing his place at the Santiago Bernabeu amid an alleged feud with Jose Mourinho
'Mourinho has 'badly damaged' Real Madrid's image' The Portuguese coach has been accused of disgracing los Blancos with his outspoken opinions
Neymar plans to stay at Santos until 2014, says father The Brazil starlet has long been linked with a move to Barcelona but his dad insists he has yet to be informed by the Brasileiro side if they intend to sell this summer
Santos vice-president silent on Neymar fee Odilio Rodrigues Filho insists it would be "stupid" to discuss a deal which has yet to be arranged and revealed he visited Madrid simply to celebrate his birthday
Vilanova coy on Neymar negotiations The Barcelona boss admits he is unsure how talks to sign the Brazil starlet are progressing before adding he is unconcerned by reaching 100 points in La Liga
Vilanova to return to New York for further cancer treatment The Blaugrana trainer will return to New York on Monday, where he spent two and a half months earlier in 2013, to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy before returning on Friday
Real Madrid have failed, says Albiol The defender has admitted that the Santiago Bernabeu side were not up to scratch this term, while Diego Lopez feels they were unlucky to lose the Copa final
Blancos president Florentino Perez has confirmed the Portuguese coach is set to end his three-year spell in La Liga following a trophy-less season in the capital
Jose Mourinho will leave his role as coach of Real Madrid at the end of the current season, the club have confirmed.
President Florentino Perez revealed at a press conference on Monday that the former Inter, Chelsea and Porto coach's time in charge at the Bernabeu is coming to an end by mutual agreement once the 2012-13 season has reached its conclusion.
“The club and coach believe the time is right to bring our relationship to an end,” said Perez.
“I would like to thank Jose Mourinho for all his hard work over the last three years. The team has improved over his time here and I would like to wish him all the best.
"Everything is relative. From where we have come, we have taken a big step but we were lacking a little extra."
The announcement comes after a disappointing spell saw Madrid knocked out of the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals and suffer defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, while Barcelona marched to the Liga title.
"The achievements of this season have not been sufficient for the demands of a club such as Real Madrid or a coach like Mourinho.
"Every coach has his personality. Has he made mistakes sometimes? Sure. He himself recognises that, but the level of pressure he is under is not normal. There have also been times when he has passed the limits of what is normal.
"The time is right to go our separate ways and once again I would like to thank Jose Mourinho for all his hard work."
Perez admitted the subject of Mourinho's future has been on the club's agenda for some time, but insisted a final decision has only been reached now.
"We have come to this decision just now, although its something that has been at the back of our mind for some time.
"We have no pre-contract signed with any manager. This is something we have to look at over the coming days."
Once the league season has reached its end, the outgoing Mourinho is expected to return to England in the summer and take over at former club Chelsea, although the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Manchester City are outside contenders for his signature.
'Real Madrid are interested in me' - Ancelotti ready to quit PSG
By Livio Caferoglu
May 19, 2013 10:50:00 PM
The 53-year-old admits he has informed the Ligue 1 champions that he plans to relinquish the reins at the club, as he reveals that an offer from the Blancos is on the table
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he has received a proposal from Real Madrid after announcing his intention to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
The Italian has long been rumoured to be set to depart the Parc des Princes this summer despite guiding the Parisians to their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years, and the Blancos have repeatedly been mooted as his likeliest destination.
Ancelotti was voted the French top flight's joint-best coach along with Saint-Etiennes' Christophe Galtier on Sunday, but after the award ceremony he underlined his desire to leave PSG, though he did not provide an explanation.
"I had a meeting with the president and Leonardo and I asked to leave the club. Now, I must wait for their response to discover my fate," Ancelotti told Canal+ after picking up his UNFL accolade.
"I turned off my phone [before I arrived at the award ceremony]. I have opportunities [from other teams] and Real Madrid are one of them.
"We will make a decision together because my intention is to leave the club. It's not easy because I have a very good relationship with everyone [at PSG], especially the players.
"This is not the right time to explain the reasons and maybe I will never explain why."
PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was voted Ligue 1 Player of the Year at the same event after a blistering first season in France, in which he scored 29 goals.
Special gone! Mourinho will leave Real Madrid on June 1, paving the way for Chelsea return - and he has turned his back on £17m compensation
By CHARLIE SKILLEN
PUBLISHED: 18:15 GMT, 20 May 2013 | UPDATED: 18:42 GMT, 20 May 2013
Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, with a sensational return to Chelsea - where he won back-to-back Premier League titles - drawing near.Mourinho has agreed to rescind his contract with the club after finishing a poor season by his and Madrid's standards - a campaign he called the worst of his career. Madrid's directors called an emergency meeting to discuss the future of the club's managerial helm followed by a press conference to announce Mourinho's departure.
Special gone: Jose Mourinho has been sacked as Real Madrid manager, with a return to Chelsea on the cards
Early bath: Mourinho was sent off in Real's 2-1 Copa Del Rey final defeat by Atletico
MOURINHO'S TITLE TRIUMPHS
Jose Mourinho has won championships in four of Europe's leading leagues following successes in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.
PORTO (Portugal) 2002/03: Mourinho won the first of back-to-back Liga titles with Porto in 2003 when, in his first full season at the club, he helped them finish 11 points clear of his former club Benfica after losing just twice in 34 games. 2003/04: It was an almost identical story the following season as Porto retained their title with an eight-point gap to Benfica after again losing just two matches. Mourinho also led Porto to the Champions League title that season before leaving to join Chelsea.
CHELSEA (England) 2004/05: Mourinho was an immediate hit in England as, in his first season, he led Chelsea to only the second championship in their history and their first since 1955. The Blues lost just once in 38 matches to finish 12 clear of reigning champions Arsenal. 2005/06: As with Porto, Mourinho led Chelsea to successive Premier League titles following another dominant season which saw them finish eight points clear of Manchester United despite losing their final two games.
INTER MILAN (Italy) 2008/09: Having left Chelsea in late 2007, Mourinho took charge of Inter the following summer and again it did not take him long to work his magic as the Nerazzurri won the league in his debut season with a 10-point gap to Juventus. 2009/10: Mourinho's Inter retained their title during a record-breaking season which saw them become the first Italian side to win the treble of Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia. That summer Mourinho left Italy to join Real Madrid.
REAL MADRID (Spain) 2011/12: After failing to knock two-time reigning champions Barcelona off their perch during his first season at the Bernabeu, Mourinho tasted league success in his second year following a record-breaking campaign which saw them smash the club's 51-year-old record of 168 competitive goals in a season and pass the Primera Division single-season record of 107, which was set by Madrid in 1990.
Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' was being played on the stream of the press conference on Real Madrid's website before Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez addressed the room. He said: 'The club and the manager agree that the timing is right to bring our relationship to an end.'On behalf of the directors, I would like to thank Jose Mourinho for his hard work over the last three years.
'We've come to this decision just now although it's something that's been in the back of our minds for some time.'We have no pre-contracts signed with any manager. It's something we have to look at in the next couple of days.'We're not happy about it but we all agree that the timing is right, and I'd like to thank him for his work.'Perez also declared that Mourinho would not receive any compensation for leaving the club, therefore forgoing the £17 million clause in the coach's contract in the event he was sacked.
The Real president also revealed he would be seeking re-election in his positions, for which elections open on June 3. Perez is the man who brought back the 'galacticos' era to the club.Despite Perez's assertions, the Spanish giants are now rumoured to be lining up a move for Paris St Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti, who wants to leave the Ligue 1 champions. Ancelotti has confirmed he is seeking to leave PSG and replace Mourinho. The Italian - another former Chelsea manager, said: 'Real is a possibility but I have a year left on my contract. It is the club who will decide.'We have to decide together.
My decision is to leave the club. It is not easy because I have had a very good relationship with everyone.'It is not the time to explain the reason why I wish to leave the club, and perhaps I will never explain it.'It would see the Italian boss again follow in Mourinho's footsteps after he took the Stamford Bridge hotseat two years after Mourinho left. Mourinho was sent off from the touchline during Real's 2-1 defeat in the Copa Del Rey final by city rivals Atletico on Friday night. The Portuguese has always described Chelsea as a team that has a special place in his heart, a view reciprocated by the club's supporters, who frequently chant songs and display banners supporting their former manager.
Taking his place: PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti is lined up to be the man to step into Mourinho's shoes
Come home: Mourinho's return to Chelsea would be a popular move among the Stamford Bridge crowd
Stat attack: Mourinho has the best win percentage in Premier League history
The 50-year-old Portuguese has helped Madrid claim three trophies during his three years at the Bernabeu, winning the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa. However, they failed to defend their league title this season, surrendering it to arch rivals Barcelona, and suffered further disappointment with their cup final defeat to Atletico - their first loss to their neighbours in 14 years. During Mourinho's tenure, Madrid also suffered three successive semi-final exits in the Champions League - a competition the club have been desperate to win since their ninth and last triumph in 2002.As well as Madrid's lack of silverware this season, there have also been reports of dressing room unrest under Mourinho while home fans also appear to have turned on the Portuguese.
Celebrating: But could Cristiano Ronaldo be on his way to Stamford Bridge with Mourinho?
Sidelines: Mourinho riled supporters by falling out with goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas
Supporters have been upset by Mourinho's treatment of long-serving goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was dropped before Christmas and has been unable to win back his spot with Antonio Adan and now Diego Lopez preferred in his stead. Madrid, who are guaranteed to finish runners-up in La Liga, have two games left this season, away to Real Sociedad this weekend and then at home to Osasuna on the final day. Mourinho's departure to Chelsea could also see one of Madrid's other big names follow him to Stamford Bridge. Cristiano Ronaldo - also sent off in the cup final - is being lined up for a return to the Premier League and reunite with his compatriot, whom he shares an agent with. Frank Lampard, who played for Chelsea under both Mourinho and Ancelotti, is just one of the Blues stars that would welcome Mourinho's return.He told talkSPORT: 'It's a presence and an aura and a way with people.'He galvanises people. His own self-confidence reflects back on his teams. He did that to me personally.'Tactically he's fantastic. He's very astute. As a team he sets you up brilliantly.
Been here before: Ancelotti (right) will again be following in Mourinho's footsteps, as both won the Premier League with Chelsea, where Mourinho is expected to return following a fiery departure from Real Madrid
'But what he does is he gets the best out of players and gets this togetherness that I'd never known until he came to the club and I haven't seen it again since then.'He might rub people up the wrong way. [But] as a manager, he's brilliant with his team, tactically, he's brilliant with individuals and I think he's brilliant with the press. I know it creates a storm, but he does protect his players.'Put to him that a reunion will end in tears after the messy divorce six years ago, Lampard insisted he was sorry to see Mourinho leave first time round.'I wasn't fed up with it," said Lampard, the club's record goalscorer who signed a one-year contract extension last week.
Brothers in arms: Frank Lampard would love to see Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge
'He made me believe I was better than I was at the time.'I thought I was a decent player, but he said to me 'listen, you can really get to the top' and he made me believe it. I tried to take it on and do it.'I've had really good managers and different managers at times. It's the ones that get the best out of you, individually.'We're all human beings and if a manager doesn't talk to you and tell you what they want or whether they're happy with you... we've all got confidence that is up and down.'Mourinho was the best. For me he was. He brought my confidence to a level it had never been.'
Special One: Mourinho's complete managerial record, courtesy of Opta
MOURINHO AT MADRID - YEAR BY YEAR
Season: 2010/11
Mourinho has never been far away from the headlines throughout his coaching career and it was no different during his first season at Madrid. He twice received touchline bans from UEFA for incidents during the Champions League, the first for apparently instructing Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso to deliberately pick up bookings, and the second time following Madrid's ill-tempered semi-final defeat to arch rivals Barcelona.
Mourinho was sent off in the first leg and then implied Barca were given special treatment by UEFA, with his conduct earning the Portuguese a five-match ban by European football's governing body.
On the field, Madrid were unbeaten in their opening 19 matches under Mourinho but that run came to a humiliating end as they were thrashed 5-0 by Barca at the Nou Camp.
Madrid would end up finishing second to Barca in La Liga, although they did gain some revenge by beating the Catalan club in the Copa del Rey final thanks to an extra-time goal from Cristiano Ronaldo - the first time Madrid had won the cup since 1993.
Season: 2011/12
Mourinho was confident Madrid would steadily improve during his tenure and that proved the case as they won the Primera Division title in record-breaking fashion in his second term. They became the first team ever to reach 100 points in Spain's top flight and also scored 121 goals as they ended Barcelona's three-year reign as champions. However, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage by Barca and also suffered more disappointment in their bid for a 10th European Cup title as they lost out to Bayern Munich in the semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out.
Mourinho also attracted controversy after appearing to poke then Barcelona assistant manager Tito Vilanova in the eye during Madrid's Supercopa defeat at the Nou Camp at the start of the season - subsequently earning him a two-match touchline ban. At the end of the season Mourinho signed a contract extension with Madrid, tying him to the club until 2016.
Season: 2012/13
Mourinho's final season in charge started well with Madrid getting the upper hand over Barcelona to win the Spanish Supercopa, taking the trophy on away goals following a 4-4 aggregate draw. That was as good as it got for the capital club, though. In the league Barca stormed away from Madrid to such an extent that Mourinho conceded the title race was all but over before Christmas. Madrid, who trailed by 16 points at one stage in February, went on an impressive run in the second half of the season but the damage had been done and Barca clinched the title with three games to go.
There was also more Champions League agony for the Spanish giants as they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund, going out 4-3 on aggregate after losing the first leg 4-1. Madrid had hoped to salvage something from the Copa del Rey final against local rivals Atletico, but they were beaten 2-1 at the Bernabeu in a match which saw Mourinho sent off - the first time they had lost to their neighbours in 14 years.
As well as those setbacks, there were also reports of dressing room rifts - notably over the axing of long-serving goalkeeper Iker Casillas - while Madrid fans also appeared to have turned on Mourinho as his time at the club drew to a close. JOSE MOURINHO TIMELINE
1963: Born January 26. Father Felix Mourinho was a former Portugal goalkeeper.
1992: After middle-ranking jobs at Estrela Amadora and Vitoria Setubal, works as Bobby Robson's translator at Sporting Lisbon before becoming involved in team affairs.
1993: Moves to Porto with Robson.
1996: Joins Barcelona as assistant coach to Robson.
1997: Stays on under new coach Louis van Gaal.
2000: Lasts nine games as coach of Benfica before resigning due to problems in the boardroom.
2001: Appointed coach of Uniao de Leiria.
2002: Joins Porto.
2003: In Mourinho's first full season in charge, Porto win the treble of domestic league, cup and UEFA Cup.
2004: Porto win the league and add the Champions League, with 3-0 victory over Monaco.
June 2 - Appointed Chelsea manager.
2005: February 27 - Wins Carling Cup with final defeat of Liverpool.
April - Chelsea seal Premier League title with 2-0 win at Bolton.
2006: April - Chelsea claim a second consecutive Premier League title and Mourinho's fourth domestic title in a row.
2007: February - Chelsea win Carling Cup, beating Arsenal 2-1.
May - Chelsea lose Champions League semi-final to Liverpool, but win the FA Cup against Manchester United.
August - Chelsea set a new record of 64 unbeaten home matches in the English top flight with win over Birmingham.
September - Leaves Chelsea by "mutual consent".
2008: June - Appointed Inter Milan boss on a three-year contract.
August - Wins Italian Supercup with victory over Roma.
2009: May 16 - Wins Serie A at the first attempt.
May 25 - Signs a contract extension at Inter until 2012.
2010: March - Inter knock Chelsea out of the Champions League in the last 16.
May 5 - Inter win the Coppa Italia.
May 16 - Mourinho claims his second Serie A title with Inter.
May 22 - Guides Inter to Champions League triumph with a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich.
May 26 - Madrid part company with coach Manuel Pellegrini and approach Mourinho.
May 31 - Unveiled as Real Madrid coach.
2011: May 3 - Madrid lose Champions League semi-final to Barcelona.
August 18 - Appears to poke then Barcelona assistant manager Tito Vilanova in the eye during Super Copa defeat at the Nou Camp.
2012: May 2 - Guides Madrid to their first Primera Division title in four years.
May 22 - Signs contract extension until June 2016.
August - Leads Madrid to a Super Copa victory over Barcelona.
April - After eliminating Manchester United, Madrid are beaten by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.
May 17 - Madrid lose the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid, meaning the season ends without major silverware.
May 20 - It is confirmed that Mourinho will leave Real after the final game of the season against Osasuna.
Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that manager Jose Mourinho will leave the club at the end of the season.
The decision adds weight to speculation that the Portuguese is set for a Premier League return with former club Chelsea.
The 50-year-old has been a colourful character throughout his managerial career, and is never stuck for an opinion.
Here, we look at 10 of Jose Mourinho's most famous soundbites.
"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one."
And thus a star was born. Mourinho introduced himself to the English press with arguably his most famous line, as he responded to doubts that he was not suitable to work in the Premier League.
"If they made a film of my life, I think they should get George Clooney to play me. He's a fantastic actor and my wife thinks he would be ideal."
Mourinho is A-list material in his own right, but left everyone in no doubt as to who his wife would like to see on the big screen in a Jose biopic.
"For me, pressure is bird flu. I'm feeling a lot of pressure with the problem in Scotland. It's not fun and I'm more scared of it than football."
Calmness in the face of adversity? Not if adversity is bird flu evidently, as Mourinho quelled talk that his Chelsea side would struggle to see out their title defence in 2006.
"What position is my wife in? Eighth at least."
Behind every great man is a great woman, even a man who was surveyed as the ninth most influential man in the world.
"Look, I'm a coach, I'm not Harry Potter. He is magical, but in reality there is no magic. Magic is fiction and football is real."
Mourinho warned Real Madrid fans not to expect him to wave a magic wand to bring trophies to the club.
"You would be sad if your team gets as clearly dominated by opponents who have been built on 10 percent of the budget."
Rubbing salt into Alex Ferguson's wounds, after his Porto side knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League.
"I think he is one of those people who is a voyeur. He likes to watch other people. There are some guys who, when they are at home, have a big telescope to see what happens in other families."
One of Mourinho's more ill-advised comments, when responding to Arsene Wenger's criticisms of his Chelsea side. A remark which he would later apologise for.
"Sometimes you see beautiful people with no brains. Sometimes you have ugly people who are intelligent, like scientists."
A pearler of a metaphor to describe the state of the Stamford Bridge, ahead of a UEFA Champions League tie with Barcelona in 2006.
"I would love an Aston Martin but if you ask me one million pounds for an Aston Martin, I tell you, you are crazy because they cost 250,000 pounds."
Mourino describing how Chelsea would not be paying over-the-odds in the transfer market.
"I am Jose Mourinho and I don't change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects."
Upon his arrival at Real, Mourinho said he will never change his approach. He has stayed true to his word.
Pique: Barcelona want 100-point milestone The centre-back insists that the last two games mean a lot to the club as they sit two wins away from the triple figure milestone
Barcelona's Muniesa faces uncertain future The club's B team defender says he has had no contact from Blaugrana over his contract, which expires in one month
Mourinho has been a scourge, says Barcelona vice-president
By Stefan Coerts
May 21, 2013 8:38:00 AM
The Blaugrana chief has breathed a sigh of relief following Madrid's announcement that they will part ways with the 50-year-old at the end of the season
Barcelona vice-president Carles Vilarrubi has hit out at Jose Mourinho in the wake of the announcement that the Portuguese coach will leave Real Madrid this summer and believes his exit is a positive thing for Spanish football.
Madrid president Florentino Perez revealed on Monday evening that Mourinho will not fulfil his contract with the Santiago Bernabeu side and Vilarrubi is pleased to see the 50-year-old leave La Liga at the end of this season.
"I can speak out now. Mourinho has been a scourge," Vilarrubi told Catalunya Radio.
"Seeing him leave is a positive thing for Spanish football in my opinion because he had created a negative atmosphere."
Mourinho joined Madrid from Inter in the summer of 2010 and has been surrounded by controversy ever since, most notably when he made the headlines for all the wrong reasons in August 2011 for poking then Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye during a touchline brawl.
He guided los Blancos to one Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Supercopa during his three-year spell in charge of the club, but failed to steer them to Champions League glory.
Ancelotti one of several candidates to succeed Mourinho, says Perez
By Alex Moretto
May 20, 2013 8:51:00 PM
The Real Madrid president has confirmed the club approached Paris Saint-Germain to poach Carlo Ancelotti and says that no compensation will be given to the outgoing Portuguese boss
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that the club are targeting Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti as one of "several candidates" to replace the outgoing Jose Mourinho.
The club revealed on Monday that the Portuguese trainer will leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the search for his successor has already begun.
Perez confirmed that an approach had been made for Ancelotti - who has expressed his desire to leave Parc des Princes for the Liga giants - but that les Parisiens are keen to hold on to the Italian.
"I want to express my utmost respect for the PSG and their owner," he said in a press conference on Monday, after revealing that Mourinho was set to leave.
"A few days ago, the club's director general spoke to PSG to see whether it was possible that he could come and they told us no.
"That is an issue that we will address tomorrow, we have a few days to think about it. There are several candidates [not just Ancelotti]."
PSG sporting director Leonardo resisted any temptation to attack the Blancos for their pursuit of the former AC Milan coach, who led the French club to their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years this season.
"We do want to condemn anyone," he told French radio station RTL, when asked about Madrid's approach for Ancelotti. "The best way forwards is always to speak [to each other]."
Madrid president Perez also confirmed that no pay-off will be given to Mourinho upon his exit, with the club and the coach - whom it is believed will return to Chelsea - having agreed to part ways amicably.
"No compensation will be given [to Mourinho] upon his departure from the club," he added.
The mutual agreement between the club and Mourinho suggests he likely has another job lined up, as there was a clause in the former Inter boss' contract which stated that whoever broke the agreement would have to pay €10 million to the other party.
The Spain legend turned down the opportunity to make the move to the Blaugrana and Juventus, while stressing that Jose Mourinho did not play a role in his decision to leave
Real Madrid icon Raul has revealed he had the opportunity to join Barcelona on two occasions, but opted against a move to the Catalans as he did not want to join Madrid's arch-rivals.
The experienced attacker spent nearly his entire career at the Santiago Bernabeu side after signing for the club from Atletico and he has stressed that a move to the Camp Nou side was never a serious option for him due to his strong ties with Madrid.
"Barcelona twice showed an interest in signing me. I could never play for Barca, though, because I am a real Madridista," Raul told World Soccer.
"Madrid is my city. I was born and raised in Madrid. My brother, my sister, my friends, my family, they all live in Madrid."
The former Spain international then went on to stress that Barca were not the only team that tried to lure him away, as Juventus attempted to sign him more than once, too.
"Juventus made me a very interesting offer three times, but I didn't see myself living in Turin," said.
Raul eventually left Madrid for Schalke in the summer of 2010 after Jose Mourinho's arrival at the club, but he has stressed that the Portuguese coach did not play a role in his exit.
"My decision to leave had nothing to do with Mourinho. I had already decided that I wanted a new challenge before his arrival."
The 35-year-old made over 700 official appearances for Real Madrid between 1994 and 2010.
Why Madrid and 'peacemaker' Ancelotti are a match made in heaven
May 21, 2013 9:00:00 AM
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
COMMENT
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer
When romantic relationships reach their end, it is common for both men and women to seek in their next attachment the qualities lacking in their previous partner. And something similar is occurring with Real Madrid; with Jose Mourinho's separation now a reality, the Spanish side have set their sights on a different type of coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Madrid announced on Monday that Mourinho will depart at the end of the season, after three turbulent terms in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, in Paris, Ancelotti was locked in negotiations to seal a move from Paris Saint-Germain. And even though the French club are playing hard-ball with Real, the Italian's desire to join Madrid means a move will almost certainly be pushed through over the next few days.
Real president Florentino Perez has long admired Ancelotti and had hoped to sign the Italian when he returned for a second mandate in 2009. That summer, however, Carlo chose Chelsea after ending his seven and a half year association with AC Milan. Four years on, Florentino is close to getting his man - and he looks like the ideal candidate to replace Mourinho.
ANCELOTTI'S TROPHY HAUL AS COACH
Juventus (1999-2001)
No major trophies
AC Milan (2001-2009)
Serie A (2003-04)
Coppa Italia (2002-03)
Champions League (2002-03, 2006-07)
Supercoppa Italiana (2004)
Fifa Club World Cup (2007)
Chelsea (2009-2011)
Community Shield (2009)
Premier League (2009-10)
FA Cup (2009-10)
Paris Saint-Germain (2011-2013)
Ligue 1 (2012-13)
The first big advantage for the PSG boss over the man he is set to replace is that, unlike the Portuguese, Ancelotti played professional football at the very highest level. In the aftermath of a painful Clasico defeat to Barcelona in January of last year, Madrid defender Sergio Ramos responded to harsh criticism from Mourinho for switching set-piece marking duties with Pepe by telling his coach: "You wouldn't understand because you never played [at this level]."
Ancelotti was a highly technical midfielder who won two European Cups in the magical Milan side of the late 1980s and early 1990s, playing alongside such greats as Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten. During his playing days, he also picked up a vast array of tactical knowledge under some of the world's best coaches, including Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello at Milan, Nils Liedholm and Sven-Goran Eriksson at Roma, and World Cup winner Enzo Bearzot with Italy.
Back then, of course, Serie A was considered to be by far the strongest league in terms of tactics, an area of Mourinho's armoury which can be questioned following his three-year spell in Spain. While the Portuguese played counterattacking football with some of the world's best players, Ancelotti has utilised a number of different systems and styles throughout his coaching career and is likely to bring a much more astute tactical plan to the Santiago Bernabeu.
His favoured formation at Milan was a 4-3-2-1, adapted to become a 4-4-2 diamond at Chelsea. But there is a usually a point of reference in his sides behind the striker - a playmaker or trequartista: Zinedine Zidane at Juventus and Kaka at Milan being perhaps the two best examples. At Madrid, Mesut Ozil or Luka Modric could be primed for this role. But whoever he selects, Ancelotti's technical football will likely please fans fed on some of the world's best in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, and who were uncomfortable at the defensive play favoured by Mourinho.
The Italian may have collected fewer trophies than the Portuguese over the course of his coaching career but, as Mourinho managed last year when he proclaimed himself to be 'The Only One', the former Milan boss can claim a league title in a fourth different country by winning La Liga, following championship cheer in Italy, England and France. Ancelotti, as well as being a two-time European Cup winner as a player, has won the Champions League twice as coach (as has Mourinho), leading Milan to the trophy in 2003 and 2007 (as well as the final in 2005 when Liverpool amazingly came back from three goals down to win it in Istanbul).
But unlike Mourinho, he comes without controversy. Described as a 'peacemaker' by Marca on Monday, the Italian is a strong character, yet a man who works out of the limelight and who is not one to rock the boat. The 53-year-old forged a healthy professional partnership with Silvio Berlusconi at Milan, despite receiving criticism from the then most powerful man in Italy over his tactics and so-called defensive football, and also worked well under Roman Abramovich at Chelsea until results cost him his job in his second season at Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti has also coached some of the finest footballers in the world over the last 15 years, including Zidane (with whom he is expected to form a partnership at Madrid now), and is seen as a kind of Italian Vicente del Bosque - a coach with excellent man-management skills who can control the egos in the dressing room in a sort of father-figure role.
He is high profile, while his popularity with players and pedigree as coach mean the Italian will also be able to entice the very best players to Madrid. Essentially, he appears to tick all the boxes as the man to replace Mourinho.
Successful and tactically astute, he is also diplomatic and respectful and is extremely unlikely to cause controversies or fall out with players in the way that his predecessor did do often. And in a summer when very few top-class coaches are available, Ancelotti looks like the ideal man to smooth over the deep divisions left by Mourinho.
Indeed, even if other top trainers had been available (Jurgen Klopp, Jupp Heynckes, Joachim Low and Andre Villas-Boas have all been mentioned), the Italian would still have been Madrid's first choice as Perez looks like finally getting the coach he missed out on in 2009.
So the Mourinho marriage may be over, but Madrid believe they have already found the right man to replace him.
Pellegrini: These are my last hours at Malaga
The Chilean has admitted that he will soon leave the Andalusian club but emphasised that he was going to Manchester City to fulfill sporting ambitions
Arrivederci, Carlo: Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
Calderon claims Mourinho failed at Real Madrid
The 61-year-old, who held office at the Bernabeu between 2006 and 2009, says the manager's record at the club was not the only factor, insisting his behaviour was poor
Messi: Neymar move would be wonderful
The star feels the Brazilian would add a different dimension to Barcelona's play and believes Pep Guardiola will be a huge hit with Bayern Munich
Pellegrini would be a 'good fit' for Manchester City, admits Nasri
The Frenchman would welcome the arrival of the Chilean and is aiming to stay at the club and mount challenges for the Premier League and Champions League next season
Juventus and Atletico lead Vietto chase
The 19-year-old forward has courted interest from Italy and Spain following a series of impressive performances for Racing, but no offer has yet been tabled
Reina 'flattered' by Barcelona rumours
The 30-year-old has been tipped to replace Victor Valdes at Camp Nou this summer, but insists he is happy to stay at Liverpool despite an indifferent season
Parreira: Neymar needs to move to Europe
The former Brazil coach believes the Santos star needs to leave South America and claims that he has been speaking to friends about moving to Europe
Isco: Nobody knows where my future lies The Malaga star has continued his teasing rhetoric amidst rumours surrounding where he might leave La Rosaleda for this summer, with Manchester City the lead protagonists
Roura: Any club would take Neymar The Spaniard has praised the forward as rumours gather that the Brazilian is set to join the Camp Nou club
Carvajal dreams of Real Madrid return The full-back has revealed his desire to one day move back to his boyhood club, while believing that his spell in Germany has helped him to fulfill his potential
'Madrid will be be tough to beat without Mourinho' - Roura The Barcelona assistant doubts the Portuguese's departure will weaken the Blancos and revealed that Tito Vilanova has once more returned from his cancer treatment in New York
Ancelotti still has heart set on PSG exit The Real Madrid target says he remains adamant on departing but, acknowledging his current contract, wants to come to an amicable agreement with his employers
David Luiz: Neymar will learn more in Europe Speaking before Santos accepted two bids from Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Blues star reveals his advice to the starlet and gave his opinion on Jose Mourinho
Only Ronaldo and Messi impress me more than Bale – Zidane The Real Madrid director of football enthuses that the Tottenham star is "more than good enough" to turn out for los Blancos, having watched Spurs games just to see the Welshman
'Neymar must pay his dues at Santos' - Pele The iconic ex-Brazil star believes that the Barcelona and Real Madrid target should give something back to the club where he has made his name
Pellegrini arrival could prompt Tevez stay The 59-year-old's appointment could see the Argentina international stay at Manchester City while Tottenham and Internacional will talk transfers at the Champions League final
Chelsea lead chase to sign Arda Turan The 26-year-old is thought to be the subject of serious interest from the Blues, having caught the eye of Galatasaray and Arsenal previously
Atletico line up Falcao replacement in Negredo Atleti have dropped their biggest hint yet that they have accepted the Colombian will leave the club by identifying a replacement for the forward
Ozil won't be part of Madrid summer exodus, says father Mustafa Ozil has confirmed his son is enjoying life at los Blancos, despite rumours of high profile team-mates leaving in the summer along with coach Jose Mourinho
Cruyff: Mourinho to blame for Madrid's poor season The 66-year-old former Barcelona coach firmly believes the Portuguese has been a negative influence at los Blancos this season whilst he also questioned Barca's desire for Neymar
Ba: Players excited by Mourinho Chelsea return The 27-year-old says that his team-mates are looking forward to the imminent homecoming of the Portuguese coach, describing him as "one of the best" in the world
Valdano: Signing Neymar would be a huge coup for Real Madrid The Argentine has nothing but praise for the attacker and feels it would be quite an achievement for the Blancos if they were to sign him
Coentrao: I never felt wanted at Real Madrid The Portugal international is seemingly keen to leave the Spanish giants in order to relaunch his career elsewhere after two seasons with los Blancos
Xavi urges Thiago to remain patient amid Manchester United interest The young midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions, but his team-mate has advised him to stay at Camp Nou
Isco plays coy on Madrid move The Spain international is being chased by Manchester City but Malaga's Liga rivals are leading the race, and the attacking midfielder tried not to give much away
'Neymar would help out Messi' - Alves The Brazil international is certain that his compatriot will fit in well alongside the Argentine if he makes the move to Spain this summer
Doping is everywhere, says Xavi The Spain international insists he has never come across any specific case as a player but says that the authorities must ensure that it does not creep into the game
Simeone prepared to let Falcao leave Atletico Madrid The Argentine coach says he would happily help the Colombian depart if he decides to move on
Messi proud to take Ronaldinho's No.10 The prolific forward has nothing but praise for the Brazilian attacker and claims it is a "fantastic responsibility" to have inherited the famous squad number at Camp Nou
Bale would be perfect for Real Madrid, says Ramos The Tottenham attacker has been linked with a move away from north London, and the 27-year-old defender believes he would be a huge success in the Spanish capital
Real Madrid want Isco, claims Malaga director The attacking midfielder has caught the attention of the Santiago Bernabeu side as well as a number of foreign teams, but he carries an impressive price tag
Zabaleta backs boss-to-be Pellegrini to succeed at Manchester City The 28-year-old right-back believes the Chilean's great wealth of experience will see the club secure trophies and improve in the Champions League with an attractive style of play
Higuain convinced he will join Juventus The Argentine is on the verge of completing his transfer to the Turin side and will earn an estimated €6 million per year following the move
'It has not been a good year for Real Madrid' Former Blancos goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez believes Iker Casillas has been harshly dealt with by outgoing coach Jose Mourinho this season
Adriano extends Barcelona deal The Brazilian has put pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him at Camp Nou until the summer of 2017 with a €90 million buyout clause
Atletico don't want to sell Arda - agent The Turkish winger's representative says his client is important to the club and has no intention of returning to his homeland despite rumours to the contrary
Madrid will still be competitive without Mourinho - Xavi The Barcelona midfielder says the controversial coach gave his side extra motivation but stressed that they will still fight just as hard for titles
Mourinho & Ronaldo receive two-match Copa bans The Portuguese duo have both been punished for their part in the ugly scenes at the end of Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid last week
Reina is good enough for Barca, says Angoy With Victor Valdes set to quit Camp Nou, the Anfield shot-stopper has been linked with a return to the Catalan club he left in 2002 as a replacement for the 31-year-old
Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara The midfielder is also on the radar of Manchester City this summer, with the 22-year-old keen to leave Camp Nou in the pursuit of first-team opportunities
Ibrahimovic: Ancelotti has a better relationship with his players than Mourinho The Sweden international has hailed the successful coach's role at PSG and hopes that the former Chelsea boss will not leave the club this summer
With the title well and truly decided in La Liga and two matchdays to play, all eyes are on the European race and the relegation battle.
Starting at the top, Real Sociedad have it all to do them to sustain fourth position and the UEFA Champions League qualifying position as they prepare to host Real Madrid.
Sociedad are fourth, level on points with fifth-placed Valencia and need to win to guarantee their spot as front-runners for the European play-off place
Valencia, meanwhile, are at home to 15th-placed Granada, who are yet to sew up their top-flight position for 2013-14.
Ernesto Valverde's men should still do it comfortably, though, as Granada's La Liga status can be guaranteed by losses to either Deportivo La Coruna or Real Zaragoza on Sunday.
Deportivo are on the road at Malaga, with the latter still hoping to secure UEFA Europa League qualification for next term.
Manuel Pellegrini's side will be hoping to welcome their new manager with a place in European competition, after it was announced Pellegrini would not coach there next term.
Malaga (54 points) are two points clear in sixth, with Real Betis (52) and Rayo Vallecano (49) still in the hunt for a slice of continental action.
Betis host relegation-threatened Zaragoza - with both clubs needing wins to boost their hopes of playing in the UEFA Europa League and La Liga respectively next term.
Vallecano are all but out of the top-six race, but should Malaga slip up, they can stay alive by beating Getafe on the road.
Getafe are 10th after losing five of their past six to fall out of European contention.
Champions Barcelona visit Espanyol, who have not won in four and the Catalans can reach the magical 100-point mark with wins in their final two matches.
Osasuna could yet be relegated as they sit just two points above the drop ahead of their match with ninth-placed Sevilla.
Real Valladolid can relegate struggling Celta de Vigo should the latter fail to win, while a similar fate awaits Mallorca if they do not manage get a result on the road at third-placed Atletico Madrid.
Finally, Athletic Bilbao can extend their five-game unbeaten run at home to Levante, who have not won in seven.
