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The 49-year-old has opened up about the hard time he has when he socialises, and claims that his spell at the club will not be in vain if he fails to triumph in Europe
Oct 1, 2012 6:20:00 PM
By Enis Koylu
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has claimed that people regularly insult him and his children when he attempts to socialise.
The Portuguese boss has developed a reputation as a controversial figure due to his outspoken nature, and his stay in the Spanish capital has witnessed several fierce battles with main rivals Barcelona.
And he has now revealed that he is routinely targeted by the public, who have also taunted his children when he is with them.
"I hate my social life," he told CNN. "I hate not to be a normal father who goes with his son to his football match and be there with the 20 other fathers watching the game.
"The people have to come for photos; the people have to come for autographs; the people have come to insult me; the people have to go behind the goal of my kid to insult a 12-year-old kid.
"People think they know me, but they don't. People know the manager, especially the manager during 90 minutes. And during 90 minutes, I'm not there to have fun.
"I'm there to do my job, I'm there to win. I'm there with my team to try to win. I'm there and I live the game. I live the match as if it was the last of my career.
"People look at me and see what they see. It's the other place where people know me."
Having ended Barcelona's stranglehold on the Liga title, Mourinho is currently bidding to bring home los Blancos' 10th Champions League title, but does not feel his spell at the club will be deemed a failure should he not manage to do so.
"Will I see my stay here as a failure? No. In relation to the Champions League there is an edge where the difference between succeeding and not succeeding is very narrow," he added.
"The world will consider it a failure because I won it so many times and brought so much success to my teams that everyone is probably expecting that."
Xavi: I would be delighted to score a hat-trick against Real Madrid
The experienced midfielder is eagerly anticipating Sunday's match, while he's confident of reaching an agreement with Barca over a new deal
Real Madrid & Barcelona play in a league sentenced to death, says financial expert Jose Maria Gay
The professor tells Goal.com that La Liga will lose all interest in the coming years, given that only one of two teams can win it, and believes debt has spiralled out of control
‘El Clasico is the biggest match in football’ - former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman
He has lined up for Liverpool against Manchester United, but the Champions League and Liga winner insists nothing compares to Madrid's rivalry with Barcelona
Bielsa: Athletic Bilbao must stop losing to inferior teams
The Argentine tactician accepts responsibility for his side's latest disappointment in the Europa League and insists they must start picking up points if they are to have a chance
My father told me to play with my heart and in attack, says Falcao
The Atleti star reveals how his father told him to become a striker because they make the most money while admitting that Shakira is more popular than him in his homeland
New book reveals Puyol was almost deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona
Author Lluis Lainz depicts the history of the Catalan giants, and reveals how the current club captain was not considered to be good enough by some former coaches at the Blaugrana
Luis Garcia hoping for Real Madrid win to keep the Liga title race alive
The 40-year-old feels a victory for the champions would be good for the league as a whole, and is expecting another close encounter between the fierce rivals at Camp Nou
Mourinho backs Mancini to bring out the best in Balotelli
The former Inter coach had a difficult relationship with the young striker during his time in Italy, but suggests the 22-year-old is at the perfect club to continue developing
Rosell: Barcelona are world's most transparent club
The Blaugrana chief made the comments at the launch of a new book, which profiles the club's connections to Catalan culture and politics
American style time-outs would improve football, says Mourinho
The Real Madrid boss believes having mini-intervals during play would offer coaches more freedom to influence matches, and revealed the secrets behind his half-time team-talks
Neymar move to Europe imminent, says adopted brother
The Santos star's sibling believes he will seal a transfer to Europe sooner rather than later and named two of Spain's biggest clubs as potential destinations
Figo: Raul wanted to retire at Madrid but was forced out
The ex-Blancos star feels that the legendary Spaniard did not get the respect he deserved, and can see Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Ballon d'Or this term
Casillas laughs off 'snitch' accusations
The Spain international has ridiculed suggestions that he has been passing on information from the changing-room to the media
Kaka: I'm regaining Mourinho's confidence
The former AC Milan star is pleased that the flamboyant coach is considering him for the first team once more, and is eagerly anticipating Sunday's Clasico
Cristiano Ronaldo: It's important to gain confidence ahead of El Clasico
The Los Blancos players are pleased to have achieved maximum points from their opening Champions League fixtures and look forward to Sunday's huge fixture
Mourinho: Paris Saint-Germain move possible in the future
'The Special One' is happy to consider coaching the big-spending Parisian club one day, as he would like to be successful and win the league title in a fifth country
Del Bosque: I can't choose between Messi and Ronaldo
The Spain coach refused to be drawn in the dispute over which of the two superstars should be considered the superior player, and instead called for a peaceful Clasico on Sunday
Llorente open to January move to Juventus, says agent
The towering striker was involved in a bust-up with coach Marcelo Bielsa earlier this week and his representative has revealed that the player is ready to jump ship
Messi: Sunday's Clasico is not about revenge
The attacker insists that the Catalan outfit have put their recent setbacks against Jose Mourinho's behind them, and are completely focused on claiming the three points
Barcelona confirm Puyol out injured for two months
The Blaugrana defender has been unfortunate with his fitness in 2012, and his bad luck continued when he picked up an knock in Tuesday night's Champions League win over Benfica
Falcao: I considered leaving Atletico
The prolific attacker has revealed he thought about moving on this summer, while adding he is pleased with what he has achieved so far, helping him to win over the doubters
Ramos and Mourinho must settle their Real dispute, and fast, for the benefit of everyone at the Bernabeu
The Blancos coach and talented centre-back are rumoured to have had their differences in the past but now the fractious relationship may impact on performances going forward
Cristiano Ronaldo is not arrogant, insists Van Nistelrooy
The Dutchman has nothing but praise for his former team-mate, and feels the prolific attacker has made it this far because of his hard work
Puyol's injury is really bad news, says Mascherano
The Argentine has admitted that the defender's physical problems come at a bad time, but was satisfied with the Catalans' victory on Tuesday
Arbeloa: The Real Madrid squad has a very good relationship with Mourinho
The defender has dispelled claims that the Portuguese tactician does not have the backing of the players, and says that the team is focused on their match against Ajax
Vilanova: Barcelona always having problems with central defenders
The coach was left cursing his bad luck at his captain's injury, but nevertheless turned his attention to the Clasico with Real Madrid on Sunday
Pedro rues injury to Barcelona captain Puyol sustained during Benfica clash
The Spain international has spoken on how much the Blaugrana will miss their on-field leader's presence, although he and goal-scorer Cesc Fabregas are content with their win
Messi 'not worried about scoring' for Barcelona as long as they win
The Argentine superstar hailed the Blaugrana's victory over Benfica on Tuesday night, and lamented the injury suffered by captain Carles Puyol during the game
Puyol suffers dislocated elbow
The Barcelona veteran has been dealt another injury blow during his side's clash with Benfica, sparking concerns he may miss the Clasico against Real Madrid
Mourinho: Sergio Ramos is a top professional but I get on better with my wife
Los Blancos coach admits that there can be difficulties in the relationships with his players, but remains focused on securing three points in their next Champions League game
Stoichkov admits a 'great deal of respect' for Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho
The former Barca attacker has spoken kindly of the successful Portuguese trainer, despite stating that his heart still remains in Catalonia
Iniesta: It is very difficult to win everything
The Blaugrana midfielder has discussed how fighting on numerous fronts is not an easy task, while also commenting on how the current set of players will miss Pep Guardiola
Moutinho would rather play for Barcelona than Zenit, reveals agent
The representative of the Portugal international, who was on the brink of joining Tottenham in the summer, has revealed that his client would be honoured to join the Catalans
Mijatovic: Cristiano Ronaldo more complete than Messi
The 43-year-old feels that the Portugal international is nearly flawless, and he tipped Los Blancos to go all the way in the Champions League this term
Mourinho: I will stay at Real Madrid until my contract expires in 2016
The 49-year-old is keen to stay put at Madrid for the immediate future, and revealed that he's having a hard time off the pitch in Spain
Ahead of Sunday's Clasico against Los Blancos at Camp Nou, the Catalan outfit have released the details of the design which will be exhibited prior to the match
Oct 3, 2012 4:00:00 PM
By Tom Maston
Barcelona have presented the mosaic that will be shown in the stands before their game against bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Nearly 98,000 fans will be involved in creating a spectacular image showing a Catalan flag with the word 'Barca' emblazoned in the middle.
The design will be unveiled as the players walk onto the pitch ahead of kick-off, and it has similar style to the first ever mosaic shown at the ground exactly 20 years ago, which also only contained the word 'Barca'.
Previous designs have included messages of thanks to the team towards the ends of campaign and one which read 'We Love Football' at the 2011 Champions League final, which was held at Wembley.
The Clasico at Camp Nou kicks off at 19:50CET on Sunday.
Figo: Raul wanted to retire at Madrid but was forced out The ex-Blancos star feels that the legendary Spaniard did not get the respect he deserved, and can see Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Ballon d'Or this term
Oct 4, 2012 11:30:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Former Portugal international Luis Figo believes that Real Madrid icon Raul wanted to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu side, but was forced out against his will.
The experienced attacker, currently under contract with Al Sadd, left the Spanish club for Schalke in the summer of 2010, but Figo believes that his former team-mate would much rather have stayed put.
"Raul wanted to end his career at Real Madrid, but it was not to be. He was forced out at Madrid. I hope he's happy in Qatar," Figo stated to Al Jazeera.
The 39-year-old then went on voice his opinion that Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Ballon d'Or this year, but added that it is impossible to pick a favourite between the Blancos star and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.
"I believe Ronaldo can win the Ballon d'Or this year because he has won La Liga. I don't know why he's unhappy. You'd have to ask him. I generally don't get involved in other people's business.
"Messi or Ronaldo? It really is impossible to say who is the better player between the two of them."
Figo also briefly looked ahead to Sunday's Clasico, and stressed that La Liga is by no means decided just yet.
"The eight points that seperate Barcelona and Real Madrid are not too much to overcome. The league is not decided yet."
Sunday's encounter at Camp Nou is scheduled to kick off at 19:50CET.
Mourinho: When Real Madrid play Barcelona the world stops
The Portuguese boss emphasised the importance and intrigue of this unique fixture to fans worldwide while he believes the burden of being champions is weighing heavily on his team
Oct 4, 2012 7:35:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes El Clasico with Barcelona is the biggest game in the world while he also explained why his side have been below average in La Liga.
The Spanish champions have not enjoyed the best start to their campaign and enter the first Clasico of the league season this Sunday eight points behind their Catalan rivals who sit atop of the standings.
“When Madrid plays Barcelona, the world stops,” he told Bein Sport.
“It is a game we love to play and it is not just us, but, surely for them also. In this sense, it is definitely more than a normal league match.
“But our goal is to win the championship. It is just three points in the end.”
The former Inter coach believes the champions tag is contributing towards his side's indifferent start to the Primera Division.
He added: “The fundamental difference is this team last season were not champions. This season they and in my opinion, the team has started the season this way because of the prestige of being the defending champions."
Mourinho was then asked to reveal what he thought about Real Madrid's chances in this year's Champions League.
"The Champions League? It depends, it is a competition where the difference between winning and losing is very small," he said.
"I do not believe that anybody thought that Chelsea last season would have won it. But, they did and I was happy because I have a blue heart.
"It is necessary that we make it to the quarter-finals or semi-finals. And then from there, anything can happen."
The Portuguese then spoke about Karim Benzema and revealed his happiness at Real Madrid before once again admitting that his desire is to return to England.
He continued: “I am happy and want to continue here. I've signed with Real Madrid for another four years, because we are the world's best football club.
“Following my triumphs in England and Italy, Madrid was missing from my CV. Now that I have it, I have to work to the best of my abilities.
“I was very happy in London though, and I'll return.”
The legendary Dutchman is looking forward to this weekend's Clasico, and believes the game could be a tipping point for the Blancos if they lose
Oct 5, 2012 7:25:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Barcelona icon Johan Cruyff is eagerly anticipating Sunday's Primera Division match at home against arch-rivals Real Madrid, and feels the reigning champions can not afford to lose at Camp Nou.
Jose Mourinho's side are currently trailing Barca by eight points after only six games, and Cruyff believes they will find themselves in a precarious situation if they are beaten in the Clasico.
From comment and analysis to post-match fallout, Goal.com has got all angles covered "Normally you don’t know what is going to happen, but this time I think that Madrid are in more danger than ever because they are so far behind," Cruyff explained to Sky Sports.
"If they lose this one it is like having the whole world falling over you. These are normally the games I fear the most. Madrid will do more than everything to change this situation around.
"Mourinho will be under a lot of pressure after Sunday if they lose. Then there is a big problem.
"It could be [a tipping point]. If [they] play seven or eight games and - if he loses - they will be so far behind [Barca]. There’s no excuse [for that]."
Sunday's encounter is scheduled to kick off at 19:50CET.
La Liga preview: El Clasico dominates Spanish top flight
4 October 2012
Alex Song and Javier Mascherano are set to play in central defence for Barcelona against Real Madrid due to Carlos Puyol's dislocated elbow.
Puyol dislocated his elbow when he landed awkwardly after going for a header in Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League win over Benfica on Tuesday and the Catalan club's head coach Tito Vilanova is likely to play Song and Mascherano in Sunday's El Clasico versus Real Madrid.
Song and Mascherano are both more known as defensive midfielders but with regular central defenders Puyol and Gerard Pique injured and Eric Abidal still recovering from a liver transplant, Vilanova believes he has no other option.
"I have always said it, we have always had problems in central defence but we will get through it," Vilanova said.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will be thrilled at the prospect of sending Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain out against Barcelona's improvised defence.
Mourinho's side have started their La Liga campaign slowly with three wins and a draw from six games but thumped Ajax Amsterdam 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday with Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick and Karim Benzema also getting on the scoresheet.
Sunday will also see second-placed Atletico Madrid host Malaga, who are third in La Liga's standings, with the former set to go top of the league if they win and Barcelona lose.
But Atletico Madrid will take on the best defensive side in Spain's top tier with Malaga having conceded just two goals this season.
Malaga head into the game on the back of a 3-0 win away to Anderlecht in the Champions League to continue their perfect start to the continental club competition.
Celta Vigo and Sevilla will get the weekend's La Liga action underway on Friday, while on Saturday, Rayo Vallecano host Deportivo La Coruna, Real Zaragoza face Getafe, Valladolid will play Espanyol and Real Betis take on Real Sociedad.
In other fixtures, Levante host a derby clash with Valencia, Granada travel to Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao are up against Osasuna.
Celta Vigo notched their third home win in a row as they toppled Sevilla 2-0 in La Liga.
All of Celta's nine points have been registered at Estadio de Balaidos but Friday's win over an in-form Sevilla was arguably their most impressive.
After a goalless first half, Paco Herrera's side took the lead on the hour-mark from the penalty spot.
Spaniard Iago Aspas – who scored 23 league goals for the club in their promotion-winning campaign last season – made no mistake, netting his third goal in five games.
Sevilla boss Michel attempted to change things, introducing Manu del Moral off the bench but their attempts to score an equaliser were futile.
And Celta capped off the win when substitute Enrique de Lucas scored the winner after 85 minutes, just seconds after being introduced.
Celta moved ahead of four sides and jumped inside the top half of the table as a result of their victory while Sevilla sit fifth.
Rivaldo: Home advantage key for Barcelona
The 40-year-old feels home advantage could be crucial for Barca at the weekend, while also offering words of encouragement to head coach Tito Vilanova
Atletico Madrid striker Falcao resumes training
The Columbia international took part in Los Colchoneros' morning practice after missing his side's last two matches with a groin strain
Aguero: Messi laughs when he remembers that I did not know who he was
The striker has revealed that the European Golden Shoe winner still finds it funny that the now Manchester City player did not recognise him at the 2005 Under-20 World Cup
Xavi: El Clasico is a big opportunity for Barcelona to open up a big gap over Real Madrid
The Blaugrana star is excited that his team could open up a huge points gap over Los Blancos, but says even a victory may not prove decisive over the course of the season
Guti: Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo
The retired midfielder made the claim ahead of this weekend’s much anticipated clash, while revealing that he nearly joined Argentine giants River Plate
Mourinho eye-gouging 'worst ever' Clasico incident, says Alkorta
The former centre-back has spoken about the importance of the Portuguese coach's mind games, but says the infamous affair 14 months ago was a step too far
Toshack: If Real Madrid lose, it will be a very long season
The former capital club coach made the comments at Lumine Golf Club in Catalonia where he met Barcelona players ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico
Reports had circulated that the Barcelona forward's first child had been born, but the player's charitable organisation has now stated that they were false
Oct 5, 2012 3:43:00 PM
By Enis Koylu
Barcelona star Lionel Messi's charitable organisation Fundacion Leo Messi has moved to deny reports that the 25-year-old's first son has been born.
ViWiMe, a radio station from the player's native Argentina, had written on Twitter that his girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo had given birth, only for no confirmation to be made on the matter.
The rumour led the forward's fans to send messages of support and congratulations to him, however, it has now been announced that the reports were false.
"Lionel and his family thank you for all your comments and loving messaged received today," the statement, on the organisation's Facebook page, read.
"However, they would like to say that the information about the birth of Leo's son that has been doing the rounds is totally false."
Messi is currently preparing for Sunday's Clasico clash with Real Madrid at Camp Nou, with Barcelona currently eight Liga points ahead of the Spanish champions.
Ancelotti: Mourinho will have to wait if he wants to become Paris Saint-Germain coach
The PSG boss has warned off his Los Blancos counterpart should the Portuguese wish to take over the side from the French capital
Oct 5, 2012 7:10:00 PM
By Paul Mullin
Carlo Ancelotti has warned Jose Mourinho that he will have to wait a long time before taking control of Paris Saint-Germainas the Italian plans on being the coach of the Ligue 1 club for a long time to come.
The 53-year-old made the comments to French daily Le Parisien after being asked about his future at the Parc des Princes. He said: “Here in Paris there is a good feeling with all – the players, the fans, the club.”
The comments come not long after Mourinho’s own about his future someday laying away from the Bernabeu, as he speculated that he will in the future coach in a country that he has not coached in before.
“I think being the champions in another country is a motivation for me. I was a champion in four countries, so why not a fifth?” said the 49-year-old.
But the former Chelsea boss was careful not to link himself with the job at this current moment as he paid respect to the job that is currently being done by Ancelotti.
“Currently the PSG project is in the hands of quality people like Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo. So, at this time the PSG don’t need another coach,” he concluded.
Real Betis climbed to fourth on the La Liga table after a 2-0 success against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Pepe Mel's side impressed in the early stages of the season before slumping to consecutive defeats against Atletico Madrid and Malaga.
They responded with a strong display against Sociedad, opening the scoring after 18 minutes when Juan Carlos laid on an assist for Brazilian defender Paulao.
The result was sealed when Ruben Castro scored nine minutes from time, and despite the late sending off of defender Mario, Betis were comfortable winners.
Rayo Vallecano snapped a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Piti and Jose Carlos scored in the first half for the winners, who moved to 10th as a result of their triumph.
Diego Castro's penalty was enough for Getafe to win 1-0 at Real Zaragoza while Oscar Gonzalez's 82nd-minute equaliser saw Real Valladolid claim a point in a 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Espanyol.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were both in scintillating form as Barcelona and Real Madrid played out a 2-2 draw in La Liga on Sunday.
With Real in need of a win over their league-leading rivals, Ronaldo got them off to the perfect start as he silenced the Camp Nou crowd with the opening goal on 23 minutes.
But a double from Messi, including a sumptuous second-half free-kick, put Barca in the driving seat, before Ronaldo levelled just after the hour-mark as the teams shared the spoils.
The result saw Barca stay eight points clear of their rivals, who are seventh.
Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos both went close for Real with early efforts before Ronaldo gave Jose Mourinho's men a deserved lead.
A brilliant flowing move, initiated by Mesut Oezil on the right, ended with Benzema slipping the ball to Ronaldo, who powered a shot past Victor Valdes at his near post.
A depleted Barca defence, without Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, struggled and Benzema struck the post soon after.
Barcelona were still at their best at the other end and they secured an equaliser when Pedro's cross looped into the air following a pair of deflections, falling for Messi to fire home the leveller in the 31st minute.
Messi gave Barcelona the lead just after the hour-mark with a superb free-kick, curling his 30-yard effort over the wall and into the top corner.
Tito Vilanova's men saw their lead last just five minutes as Ronaldo latched onto an Oezil through ball to draw them level.
It was Barcelona who went closest to finding a winner late on as Martin Montoya struck the crossbar and Pedro drilled a low shot wide.
Atletico Madrid maintained their impressive unbeaten start to the season and moved level on points with Barcelona after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Malaga at the Vicente Calderon.
Radamel Falcao scored his eighth league goal of the season to put the home side ahead after six minutes before Roque Santa Cruz equalised with a powerful header.
With only two minutes remaining, Weligton diverted the ball into his own net to gift Diego Simeone's side all three points.
Athletic Bilbao secured their second win of the campaign as Aduriz's 12th-minute goal gave them a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Osasuna, while Granada made it two straight victories as they edged Mallorca 2-1.
Atletico chairman Cerezo 'calm’ over Falcao transfer talk as Mancini watches Colombian score against Malaga
The Italian, who is understood to be interested in signing the prolific striker, was at the Vicente Calderon to see the 26-year-old head home after just six minutes
Everything still to play for, insists Barcelona's Messi
The current Ballon d’Or holder spoke glowingly about the encounter and believes the eight-point gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid is not insurmountable
Barcelona's Dani Alves out injured for three weeks
The Brazilian full-back injured his hamstring in Clasico draw and is likely to be out for the rest of the month
Ronaldo sprains his shoulder in draw at Barcelona
In a game where the Portuguese ace grabbed a superb double to earn a hard fought point, the 27-year-old's night ended on a sour note as test reveal a suspected injury
The result was not unjust but Real Madrid did deserve more, insists Butragueno
Los Blancos legend feels his former side could have come away with more than a point from the Camp Nou while he sung the praises of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil
I chose Adriano over Song because he's faster, says Vilanova
The Blaugrana coach explained his decision to start the Brazilian alongside Javier Mascherano at centre-back, after many had predicted that the Cameroon international would play
'Messi and Ronaldo are from another planet' - Mourinho
The Portuguese boss lavished praise on the pair after their virtuoso performances in what he felt was an entertaining game for all to see
Simply inseparable: Messi and Ronaldo deserve to share the 2012 Ballon d'Or
The world's finest pair of players stole the show in a classic Clasico clash at Camp Nou, with two goals apiece in an exhibition on Sunday. There's nothing to choose between them
Pellegrino laments costly mistakes made at Levante
The Argentine was critical of his team for their mistakes and their failure to make the most of their opportunities in their derby loss to their regional rivals
Guardiola side better than Cruyff's, say Spain legends
Pirri and Asensi discuss the hostility that the surrounds El Clasico, stating that the negative relationship between the sides should be extinguished
Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six straight Clasicos
The Portuguese forward created history on Sunday night with a record-breaking strike against arch-rivals Barcelona
Kluivert: La Liga title race still alive even if Barcelona win
The former Netherlands striker is eagerly anticipating El Clasico and predicts a good contest between two evenly matched sides at Camp Nou
Ballesteros accuses Soldado of assault after Levante win over Valenica
The experienced defender claims that he was stamped on and kicked by the striker during Sunday's game and says that replays will prove him right
Santos sensation Neymar would listen to Chelsea offer
The 20-year-old Brazil international striker put the Blues in a select category of "five clubs in the world" that also included Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona
Bielsa: The urgency to win can never create discouragement
The Chilean tactician maintains that he has firm belief in his side to turn their season around, whilst also slamming the media for a leaked team-talk
Cristiano Ronaldo can become Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer, says club legend Amancio
Los Blancos' former captain and prolific outside right believes the Portuguese can surpass Raul and Alfredo Di Stefano at the top of the side's scoring charts if he stays at Real
Messi and Ronaldo are light years ahead of the rest, says Jordi Cruyff
The son of Dutch legend Johan, is impressed with the Blaugrana under Tito Vilanova and believes that Jose Mourinho remains in control at rivals Real Madrid
Emre: Diego Simeone believes in the talent of every player
The 32-year-old spoke positively about Los Rojiblancos' boss, and said that he enjoys a good relationship with the former Argentina international
Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 2: Anything you can do. Messi and Ronaldo share the goals in Clasico thriller
By PETE JENSON PUBLISHED: 19:41 GMT, 7 October 2012 | UPDATED: 06:18 GMT, 8 October 2012
Maybe they should just make a second golden ball when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo contest the Ballon D’Or at the end of the year. Here they battled for Spanish supremacy and the result was a dead heat. After both players scored twice as Barcelona and Real Madrid fought out a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp, Real manager Jose Mourinho said: ‘Saying who is the best in the world at the moment should be banned because these two are both such fantastic players.’
Anything you can do: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared four goals as Real Madrid and Barcelona drew
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Khedira, Alonso; Ronaldo, Ozil (Kaka 81), Di Maria; Benzema (Higuain 62). Subs not used: Adan, Albiol, Coentrao, Essien, Modric, Higuain
Goals: Ronaldo 23, 66
Booked: Alonso, Khedira, Pepe
His opposite number Tito Vilanova said: ‘Perhaps Ronaldo would have received slightly more recognition if he were not playing at the same time as Messi.’ They now have 100 goals between them this calendar year and this season Ronaldo leads Messi 14 to 12. Both scored with their first shots on goal and both added a second in the second half as the Clasico lived up to its name once more.
The promised chants for independence came 17 minutes into the first half but Mourinho had stressed that this game would be about football and not politics. Almost to prove a point, his team almost scored immediately after the protest. Dani Alves was left marking Sergio Ramos at a corner and the Real defender sent Mesut Ozil’s corner just past the post.
First blood: Ronaldo struck the first blow when he unleashed a fierce drive inside the near post
Ronaldo then became the first player to score in six consecutive Clasicos on 22 minutes when fed by Karim Benzema. It was a goal more in keeping with Barcelona’s style — Xabi Alonso, Ozil, Marcelo and Sami Khedira all exchanging passes. Messi made it 1-1 eight minutes later. Andres Iniesta played the ball out to Pedro and when his cross hit Alonso the Real Madrid player got himself tangled up with Pepe and as neither cleared, Messi scored.
Back on terms: It didn't take long for Messi to haul his side back on level terms from close range...
...but Real Madrid cried foul after Pepe ended up on his backside in the build up to the equaliser
Madrid had never lost in La Liga with Ronaldo scoring — Barcelona likewise when Messi strikes — and the record was to remain. Ronaldo led the charge in the second half and Sergio Busquets was booked for clipping his heels.
Big claim: There were several penalty shouts waved away, notably when Andres Iniesta hit the deck after the break
The Portuguese hit his free-kick into the wall and on the hour his nemesis had the chance from a similar distance and left Iker Casillas flapping in the wind to make it 2-1 to Barcelona. Ronaldo tried and failed with a bicycle kick as Real pushed for the equaliser. Then, with 66 minutes gone, he ran on to an Ozil pass, drew Victor Valdes and slotted in the second. It was anything you can do, I can do just as well.
Stunning: Messi produced the goal of the night when he shaped a glorious freekick up and into the net
Visiting defender Pepe accused Andres Iniesta of 'doing theatre' in a bid to win a second-half penalty and Mourinho - who infamously poked a finger into the eye of Vilanova on the touchline last season when he was Pep Guardiola's assistant - claimed the referee made 'one mistake at a certain moment'. 'He said he does not want to discuss referees, yet he has,' Vilanova said of his opposite number. 'If you talk about referees you should talk about all actions, not a few in particular.' On Pepe's claims of simulation against Iniesta, Vilanova quipped: 'We should make a video of all his fouls and actions.'
Right place: Ronaldo showed his class again after springing the offside trap, despite Victor Valdes' protests
The result allowed Atletico Madrid to join Barca at the summit of La Liga thanks to their 2-1 home win over Malaga in the late kick-off, but Vilanova remained more than satisfied with his team's start to the campaign. 'Of course we always think that we have to win games and in the end I thought we could have,' he said on www.fcbarcelona.cat. 'We had late chances with (Martin) Montoya and Pedro (Rodriguez). 'If at the beginning of the season we were told that we would be eight points ahead (of Madrid) at this stage we would have taken that.'
Special occasion: Barcelona fans used the match as a chance to call for independence for Catalunya
Demichelis: Bayern have been better than Madrid
The Argentine defender has taken the time to praise the Bavarian powerhouse following their impressive start to the Bundesliga season
De Gea: There's no reason to doubt Casillas
The former Atletico glovesman believes the Madrid man remains the best shot stopper around, and feels goalkeepers deserve more respect
Pique reignites war of words with Mourinho
The centre-back has suggested that the Portuguese coach has a number of dressing room problems to deal with at the Santiago Bernabeu, while praising the work of Tito Vilanova
Fabregas focused on maintaining Barcelona's eight-point lead
The former Arsenal man says the Blaugrana have made a dream start to the season but must keep their concentration if they are to keep the reigning champions at bay
Aragones: Real Madrid can still win La Liga
The coach - who led Spain to European Championship glory in 2008 - thinks both Los Blancos and former club Atletico Madrid can make life difficult for Barcelona
'The truth hurts' - Pepe defends 'theatrical' comments
The Real Madrid and Portugal defender has stood by his belief that the Blaugrana went down easily when tackled in last weekend’s Clasico which finished 2-2 at Camp Nou
Messi: Clasicos get better every time
The Argentine believes that the familiarity between Barcelona and Real Madrid has led to some extraordinary encounters, and discussed his nation's progress to the 2014 World Cup
Iniesta: Pepe's comments are offensive
The attacking midfielder has responded to the centre-back's criticism, saying that the Blancos defender has overstepped the mark with his appraisal of the Blaugrana
Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo could play together, says Guti
The Blancos legend feels that the illustrious duo would form a good partnership on the pitch, and would jump at the chance to unite them
Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo are both beasts, insists Higuain
The Argentina international has nothing but praise for his compatriot and the Portugal star, and refuses to label one of them as the better footballer
Busquets handed two-match ban
The Spain international will be forced to watch the next two European games from the sidelines for the Blaugrana after he was handed a suspension
Messi: Being Argentina captain has not changed me
The South American star says becoming his nation's skipper has not affected his relationships with his team-mates, and jokes his son will be a Barcelona fan when he is born
Real Madrid's Kaka: Of course the title race is not over
The midfielder was pleased with his team's performance in Sunday's Clasico, and believes the winners of La Liga this season is far from decided
Atletico Madrid hint at Falcao summer exit
La Liga outfit could be prepared to part with the highly sought-after forward, as his buyout clause of €60m would massively help the club's current economic problems
No one can compare to Messi, says ex-Barcelona coach Charly Rexach
The former Catalans' trainer believes the Argentine star to be the best player in the world and admitted a draw was a fair result in Sunday's Clasico
Hleb: Guardiola is not the best coach, he had the best players
The Belarus midfielder believes the former Barcelona trainer's success was due to having a superior team to his rivals, and says he learned more from Arsene Wenger
Albiol: Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the world
The Real Madrid defender claims the Blancos shot-stopper deserves a nomination for the prestigious award, and sympathised with Juan Mata's omission from the Spanish national team
We are not theatre players, says Barcelona's Montoya
The Spanish full-back was delighted to feature in El Clasico and warns the season is a long way from over despite Real Madrid lagging behind their rivals at this stage
Simeone: I would never coach Real Madrid
The Argentine has ruled out ever making the cross-capital switch and praised Falcao amid continued speculation over his future
Ozil: I have nothing to prove
The creative midfielder is unperturbed by press stories about his playing form, while adding that he's unaware of any transfer rumours linking him with Manchester United
Casillas: I would pick Cristiano Ronaldo over Messi
The Spain international would rather play with the Portugal star than the Barca ace, and also discussed the conflict between Sergio Ramos and Jose Mourinho
Mascherano: Barcelona have shown we're still the same
The Argentina international is adamant that the Blaugrana are still a force to be reckoned with, and admitted he's not first choice in defence
Malaga sporting director admits that Isco could leave in January
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign and has recently been watched by scouts from several high-profile Premier League clubs
Falcao: I enjoy fight for Pichichi title with Messi & Ronaldo
The attacker is hopeful that he'll keep finding the net until the end of the season, while Bernd Schuster thinks the Colombian is up there with the very best
Kaka delighted to make 'fresh start' with Real Madrid & Brazil
The midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance in recent weeks and is on course to earn his first Seleccao cap since 2010, while also working his way back into Jose Mourinho's plans
Marcelo: La Liga is not over yet
The gap between the capital club and the Blaugrana is still a considerable eight points, but the Brazilian says Los Blancos are up to the task of overhauling the league leaders
Cristiano Ronaldo gets green light for Portugal
The prolific attacker's shoulder injury is not as bad as initially feared and he will be match fit in time to feature for his national side on Friday and next week
Raul: Clasico draw a fair result
The 35-year-old was rooting for los Blancos on Sunday, but stressed that neither side deserved to lose the encounter, before insisting the title race is not over just yet
Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid not a team that enters into debates about referees
The defender has insisted that the reigning champions rather not talk about umpires, and believes they could have bagged the full three points at Camp Nou
Vilanova: We could make a video of all Pepe's fouls against us
The Blaugrana coach was not impressed with the centre-back's criticism of his players, and also questioned Jose Mourinho's attitude toward the referee
The former LA Lakers star expressed his admiration for the Argentina forward, and revealed he considered it an "honour" to have attended El Clasico on Sunday evening
Oct 8, 2012 3:05:00 PM
By Joe Wright
NBA legend Magic Johnson says he is a fan of Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi.
The Argentina star was in typically scintillating form during Sunday's Clasico at Camp Nou, scoring both his side's goals in the 2-2 draw with Real Madrid, the second of which was a sublime free-kick.
The match turned into something of a head-to-head between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Portugal captain netted a double himself as the world's two best players once again proved that there is little to nothing to choose between them.
For the former LA Lakers star Magic Johnson, however, there's no doubt as to who is currently the greatest on the planet.
He told C+Liga: "I'm for Messi. I love everything he and all his team-mates represent and I have come to cheer them on to the end."
The 53-year-old was present at Camp Nou to watch the thrilling action unfold on Sunday evening, and he admitted to Barca TV it was an "honour" to have been part of the spectacle.
He added: "[This is] one of the greatest rivalries in world sport; I wanted to be here and one day [in the future] I will be able to say I was."
Barcelona hired me to pick up drunk players, Messi's former bodyguard claims
The former Barca employee has recalled some of the situations he got into during his period at the Catalans as the players often needed his help
Oct 11, 2012 9:45:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Daniel Rojo, who worked as Lionel Messi's 'bodyguard' among other things during his time atBarcelona, has revealed that he often had to visit nightclubs in order to pick up players who had drunk too much to drive.
Rojo, an ex-convict, was hired by the Catalans when Frank Rijkaard was in charge, occasionally found himself in remarkable situations, but added that the Dutch coach was in no position to complain about his players' behaviour.
"I started working for Barcelona in 2006, when Frank Rijkaard was the coach. The club sent me to pick up players who'd drunk too much and were in no condition to drive," Rojo was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I once found a player having oral sex with two sisters in a night club's VIP area. He told me that he'd been photographed and that I had to find and delete the photos from the mobile phones.
"Rijkaard? What could he say about it as he didn’t exactly set a good example himself..."
Rojo also discussed his relationship with Messi, and praised the Argentine's humble attitude.
"At lunch Messi would sit next to me and listen to my stories. He had little to tell.
"Messi is a humble kid. Until now he's only trained and played, before he was banned from even meeting up with girls."
