La Liga Season 2011/2012

[Marcelo]

Rodriguez admits to handball

9 January 2012

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Espanyol's Raul Rodriguez has admitted that he handled the ball during his side's 1-1 draw against Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday.

The match heated up in the last minutes as Rodriguez blocked Pedro's shot with his hand - an infraction which would have earned the defender his second yellow of the match and Barca a penalty.

"The ball hit me in the hand, but I am not the referee," Rodriguez told Marca."I think that many things happened during the 90 minutes to sum up the match to that one play."

Regardless, Rodriguez emphasised the importance of the result, but noted that holding their Catalan rivals to a draw did not have any special meaning.

"The team has become stronger (after this draw)," he added. "It is more important that we have gained one point, not that Barca have dropped two."

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho confident Karim Benzema will be fit to face Malaga in Copa del Rey
The Frenchman was forced off with a tibia injury after scoring twice against Granada at the weekend but is expected to travel with the rest of his team-mates to la Rosaleda

Barcelona's Jonathan dos Santos desperate to prove himself to Pep Guardiola
The Mexico international is hoping that Seydou Keita's involvement in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations will result in him being afforded more first-team opportunities

Brazil legend Ronaldo to present Fifa Ballon d'Or
The 35-year-old, who played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid during his glittering career, jokingly invited his Twitter followers to tell him who to give the award to

Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze & Sebastian Kehl believe Nuri Sahin should stay at Real Madrid
The Germany internationals have urged their former team-mate not to give up on his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, although the 19-year-old would be pleased with a reunion

Granada agree deal for Audax Italiano's Matias Campos Toro
The Spanish club just need to agree personal terms in order to complete a deal for the young Chile international, while team-mate Bryan Carrasco is headed for Udinese

Sonny Anderson: Lionel Messi deserves Fifa Ballon d'Or, but Xavi is Barcelona's brain
The former Barca striker feels the Argentine deserves to win the prestigious award, but praised the Spain midfield maestro for 'making things happen on the pitch'

Juventus to complete signing of Sevilla's Martin Caceres this week - report
The Bianconeri are believed to be close to completing the signing of the versatile defender, and could finalise his transfer back to Turin in the upcoming days

The Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi leads the way from Cristiano Ronaldo
After another astonishing year in 2011, Lionel Messi is the bookmakers favourite to claim his third consecutive Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell backs Pep Guardiola to win Fifa Coach of the Year award
The 47-year-old supremo is confident that the Champions League-winning boss will "certainly" be crowned with the accolade, and also spoke about the derby draw with Espanyol

Barcelona and Espanyol condemn 'shameful' racist abuse aimed at Dani Alves in Sunday night's Catalan derby
The Brazilian full-back was subjected to monkey chants by sections of the home crowd during last night's 1-1 draw between the two city rivals at Cornella in La Liga

Demolition derby - Espanyol's late leveller in all-Catalan clash means Real Madrid depend on themselves in La Liga race, even if they lose to Barcelona
Pep Guardiola's side were pegged back at Cornella and are now five points behind their fierce rivals as the Primera Division approaches its halfway stage

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema match fit for Malaga clash in Copa del Rey
The France international picked up a knock in the weekend league game against Granada, but will be ready to feature on Tuesday after being cleared by the medical team

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets: We deserved more against Espanyol
The holding midfielder felt the Blaugrana should have won Sunday's La Liga encounter, but stressed that the league isn't decided yet despite falling five points behind the leaders

Osasuna's Iranian midfielder Javad Nekounam: Barcelona are more difficult to beat than Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho's side may be top of the standings in Spain, but the Team Melli captain believes the Catalans are the hardest side to play against

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Sahin urged to stay at Real

9 January 2012

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Borussia Dortmund duo Mario Goetze and Sebastian Kehl have urged former team-mate Nuri Sahin not to pursue a transfer away from Real Madrid.The 23-year-old left Dortmund for the La Liga club in time for the 2011/12 season but has seen limited action after returning from injury.

Bundesliga champions Dortmund are reportedly interested in re-signing their former prodigy, but two of their most influential voices have spoken out and advised the player to stay in Madrid."If I may give Nuri this advice, he should not get the idea to leave Real Madrid after half a year," Dortmund captain Kehl told Kicker.

"If Nuri is used in all competitions in the second half of the season, this question (whether he can impose himself) will no longer be asked."Goetze also backed Sahin, but said he would not be disappointed if the Turkey international were to return to the Westfalenstadion.

"I'm still convinced that he will seize his chances with Real Madrid. But if not, I suppose it would be logical for me to be glad. With Nuri we became champions and he is my friend," he said.Sahin spent most of the first half of the campaign sidelined due to a knee injury, but has made just one La Liga appearance this season.

He has, however, had starts in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League for Real.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Brazil legend Ronaldo to present Fifa Ballon d'Or

The 35-year-old, who played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid during his glittering career, jokingly invited his Twitter followers to tell him who to give the award to

Jan 9, 2012 2:09:00 PM

By Mark Doyle

Ronaldo Luis nazario (Formula1 - Abu Dhabi)​

Brazil great Ronaldo has confirmed online that he will present the Ballon d’Or at Monday night’s Fifa gala in Zurich.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is hoping to win the prize for the third consecutive year but faces stiff competition from team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

"This evening I will give the Fifa Ballon d'Or prize,” Brazil legend Ronaldo wrote on Twitter.

“Who do you think I should deliver [the award to]? Xavi, Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo?"

Ronaldo, who retired from the game last year, played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid during his stellar career.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Demolition derby - Espanyol's late leveller in all-Catalan clash means Real Madrid depend on themselves in La Liga race, even if they lose to Barcelona

Pep Guardiola's side were pegged back at Cornella and are now five points behind their fierce rivals as the Primera Division approaches its halfway stage

Jan 9, 2012 8:30:00 AM

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By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Editor

It's official: Real Madrid now depend on themselves to win La Liga. Having lost 3-1 to Barcelona on December 10, Jose Mourinho's men saw their lead at the top of the Primera Division cut to three points - and with a Clasico at Camp Nou still to come.

A comprehensive 5-1 victory at home to Granada on Saturday saw that advantage extended temporarily to six points ahead of Barca's derby at Espanyol, but Pep Guardiola's men were unable to close the gap back to just a one-win deficit as they were held by their city rivals. And that means Madrid can now afford the luxury of losing their next Clasico in April and still walk off with their first league title since 2008.​

Should that happen, Barca fans will surely complain that Madrid's success is a hollow one; that only by defeating the Catalans will their fierce rivals be considered worthy winners. But Real enthusiasts won't care, Jose Mourinho won't care - and nor will the history books.

High fives for a five-point lead | While Barca stutter, Madrid keep winning
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Barca often look uncomfortable in their intensely-disputed city clash with Espanyol. And Sunday night was no exception. The champions were rattled from the first whistle by a home side operating at a high tempo, feeding off the spectacular atmosphere at Cornella for what is their most-anticipated fixture of the entire season.

Victor Valdes brilliantly saved a header from Joan Verdu beneath his posts early on and the Barca keeper watched with relief as Gerard Pique hacked the rebound off the line. It was, however, a warning.

After that, Espanyol players appeared to take it in turns to gift their rivals the lead. And after Cesc Fabregas' tap-in had been disallowed for handball by Lionel Messi, the former Arsenal captain put his side in front with a header from the edge of the box which goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez should really have saved.

Lionel Messi may be about to pick up his third straight Ballon d'Or, but the Argentine was well below his best as he squandered possession and failed to hurt Espanyol on Sunday. He hit the post from an angle late on, but handled before squaring for Cesc and was booked, failed to score again at Cornella and has netted just once on the road in La Liga this term. <tbody> </tbody>

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But the visitors were unable to break down their hosts again, despite their superiority, and Espanyol remained in the contest. The home side looked the more likely to score in the remainder of the first half, but Verdu, Sergio Garcia and Thievy all fluffed their lines in front of goal.

And when Espanyol did equalise through substitute Alvaro Vazquez's header five minutes from time, it was arguably the perfect moment because it gave Barca virtually no time at all to react. Even so, Mauricio Pochettino's men still needed a Raul Rodriguez handball and the woodwork to survive with a point in what was a frenzied finale.

So for Espanyol it was a point won, but for Barca it is two dropped - and for Madrid two gained. Mourinho's men now need only to match their rivals between now and the end of the season, aside from a Clasico which they can afford to lose, in order to claim the title. And with their superior win ratio in games so far in 2011-12, they will be confident of doing so - even though the league is not yet at its halfway stage.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & Xavi - presenting the three candidates for the 2011 Fifa Ballon d'Or

Jan 9, 2012 9:00:00 AM

By KS Leong

They are the three best footballers of 2011, as determined by national team coaches and captains, and journalists around the world. But Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi weren't just at the top of their game this past year; they have consistently been at the pinnacle for the last five years.

Messi is the reigning double Ballon d'Or champion and this is the fifth year in succession that he has made the final three. Such is his aura, his fame, his success and his extraordinary talent that he is continually engaged in the hotly-debated topic of whether he is, or will become, the greatest footballer ever.

Ronaldo is the last player not named Messi to be crowned the best in the world. This is the fourth time in the last five years that he will appear on the podium. Widely regarded at present as the second-best footballer on the planet, he is recognised as the most complete player in the modern-day game.

Xavi could go down in history as one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated footballers, and possibly one of the best never to have won the Ballon d'Or. The maestro orchestrator is undoubtedly the best passer of the football today and he has the intelligence to complement his phenomenal talent.

As we prepare for tonight's 2011 Fifa Ballon d'Or gala and the announcement of the winner, we relive the year that was for Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi.

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LIONEL MESSI

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2011 STATISTICS ARGENTINA Games 13 Goals 4 Assists 10 Team Titles 0 BARCELONA YEAR Games 57 Goals 55 Assists 25 Team Titles 5 <tbody> </tbody> WHAT THE STARS SAY... Johan Cruyff: "Being the player that Messi is, he can still win many more. He will win five, six or seven and he will be the player with the most Ballon d'Ors in history.” Diego Maradona: “The day that Messi finished second behind Ronaldo, I called him and said: ‘Listen to me, I’m going to tell you something, Lio, that’s the last time I’m going to let you come second to anyone. Is that clear?’ Since that day, he’s won everything!” <tbody> </tbody>

2011 HIGHLIGHTS - Scored in the 3-1 win over Man Utd in the Champions League final - Scored six goals in seven Clasico matches against Real Madrid in 2011, including a memorable solo effort in the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu - Scored two goals in Club World Cup final against Santos and won the tournament's Golden Ball - Surpassed Laszlo Kubala to become Barcelona's second all-time highest scorer in competitive matches ​ <tbody> </tbody>

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CRISTIANO RONALDO

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2011 STATISTICS PORTUGAL Games 9 Goals 7 Assists 1 Team Titles 0 REAL MADRID YEAR Games 51 Goals 53 Assists 16 Team Titles 1 <tbody> </tbody> WHAT THE STARS SAY... Kaka: “In the modern game, Cristiano is the world’s most complete player. He’s capable of scoring goals with his left foot, his right, his head and from free-kicks. Messi is excellent and has numerous qualities, but overall Cristiano has more to offer." Emmanuel Petit: "I’m leaning towards Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s performed very well wherever he’s been. Even when his team were struggling, he always stood up to be counted – you just have to look at his exceptional statistics to see that. Ronaldo’s consistency is just really impressive." <tbody> </tbody>

2011 HIGHLIGHTS - Scored the only goal in the 1-0 Copa del Rey final win over Barca en route to lifting his first trophy with Madrid - Won the 2010-11 Pichichi trophy by becoming the first player to score 40* goals in a single La Liga season, beating previous record of 38 held by Hugo Sanchez and Telmo Zarra - Awarded the European Golden Shoe for the second time in his career - Guided Portugal to Euro 2012 finals by scoring two goals in second leg play-off win over BiH ​ <tbody> </tbody> .* Marca credited Ronaldo with 41 goals ​

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XAVI

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2011 STATISTICS SPAIN Games 9 Goals 2 Assists 2 Team Titles 0 BARCELONA YEAR Games 53 Goals 8 Assists 12 Team Titles 5 <tbody> </tbody> WHAT THE STARS SAY... Rafael Nadal: “I hope Xavi wins the Ballon d’Or. As a Spaniard, I have to support Xavi! He’s had an incredible career and completely deserves it, even if the other two are also extraordinary players.” Emmanuel Petit: "Xavi has redefined the position of midfield organiser. Barca's game channels through him, and he is an immense talent. <tbody> </tbody>

2011 HIGHLIGHTS - Provided the assist for Pedro to score Barca's first goal against Man Utd in 3-1 Champions League final win - Provided an assist and scored in 4-0 Club World Cup final against Santos and was awarded competition's Silver Ball - Surpassed Migueli to become the player with the most official appearances for Barca and also became the club's most decorated footballer with 19 titles - Broke the 100-cap mark for Spain and surpassed Raul to become the third most-capped player for the national team​ <tbody> </tbody>

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[Ricardo Kaka]

Barcelona's Pep Guardiola wins Coach of the Year award ahead of Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho

The 40-year-old led the Catalans to five more trophies in 2011 and was the unanimous choice for the prestigious prize at the Fifa Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich on Monday

Jan 9, 2012 6:30:00 PM

By Ben Hayward

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Fifa Coach of the Year 2011: PEP GUARDIOLA FC Barcelona First award

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Pep Guardiola of FC Barcelona has beaten Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho to claim the Coach of the Year award at the Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Switzerland.

Guardiola led Barca to five titles in 2011, with the Catalans claiming La Liga and the Champions League in 2010-11, followed by the Spanish Supercopa, the Uefa Supercup and the Club World Cup in the last few months.

The 40-year-old former Spain star succeeds inaugural winner Mourinho, who claimed the 2010 prize on the back of his treble success with Inter. Pep claimed 41.92 per cent of the vote, ahead of Ferguson, who received 15.61%, and Mourinho, with 12.43%.

Pep GUARDIOLA Club: FC Barcelona Date of Birth: 18 Jan 1971 (age 40) Defining moment of 2011: Leading Barcelona to a second Champions League win in three years with victory over Manchester United at Wembley

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Homage to Catalunya

Guardiola has been ultra-successful since taking over from Frank Rijkaard in the summer of 2008, leading the Catalan club to six titles out of six in his first 18 months in charge.

And after retaining La Liga in 2009-10, the former Barca captain has enjoyed a fantastic 2011, leading his side to a third straight Primera Division title, a second Champions League success in three seasons, a Spanish Supercopa, a Uefa Super Cup and another Club World Cup.

That tally means Guardiola has now claimed 13 from a possible 16 trophies since succeeding Rijkaard and the 40-year-old becomes the second coach to win this new Fifa award, claimed by Mourinho in 2010.

Guardiola's current contract at Barca expires this summer, with the coach preferring to sign one-year deals, but a new agreement has yet to be penned for the popular trainer to extend his spell at Camp Nou.

Club president Sandro Rosell had offered Guardiola a seven-year contract when he took over from previous chief Joan Laporta, but says he respects his coach's decision to sign year-long deals, claiming the new contract has already been prepared and that Guardiola can sign it whenever he likes.

Guardiola, who will be 41 later this month, made 479 official appearances for the Barca first team in an illustrious career as a player for the Catalan club, winning 16 trophies for the Camp Nou outfit and also turning out for Spain on 47 occasions.

 

[Ricardo Kaka]

Barcelona's Lionel Messi beats Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo & team-mate Xavi to win third straight Ballon d'Or

The Argentine has emulated Michel Platini, the only other player to win the award three times in a row, and joins Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten on a trio of successes

Jan 9, 2012 6:58:00 PM

By Ben Hayward

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Fifa Ballon d'Or winner 2011: LIONEL MESSI FC Barcelona - Argentina Third Consecutive Award

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Lionel Messiof FC Barcelona and Argentina has beaten Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mate Xavi to claim the Fifa Ballon d'Or award for the best player of 2011.

It is the third straight Ballon d'Or success for Messi, who has now won the first two awards since the prestigious prize was merged with Fifa's World Player of the Year gong in 2010.

Messi was the clear favourite to claim the title after helping Barca to a third straight Liga title in 2011 and a second Champions League success in three years. The Argentine reveived 47.88 per cent of the overall vote, with Cristiano claiming 21.6% and Xavi in third with 9.23%.

Lionel MESSI Club: FC Barcelona Country: Argentina Position: Forward Date of Birth: 24 June 1987 (age 24) Defining moment of 2011: Running through the Madrid defence at the Bernabeu to score a stunning second in a 2-0 Champions League semi-final win

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Simply The Best

Messi beat team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi to the award in 2010, even though his colleagues had shone for Spain in La Roja's World Cup success in South Africa.

This time around there appeared little doubt he would claim the prize, as the undoubted star of a Barca side dominating domestically and on the continent in 2010-11.

Barca claimed La Liga and the Champions League last term, losing out to Real Madrid only in the final of the Copa del Rey in April, when Ronaldo rose to head the winner and secure his side's first silverware since 2007-08.

Messi enjoyed the last laugh over his Portuguese rival in 2011, however, claiming five trophies overall with Barca as the Catalans picked up the Spanish Supercopa, the Uefa Super Cup and the World Club Cup later in the year.

The Argentine forward, still only 24, has now drawn level with three-time winners Michel Platini [the only other player to win three in a row], Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten.

And Cruyff, who has watched Messi emerge at Barca over the last few years, believes the Argentine can go on to claim the award six or seven times.

 

[Ricardo Kaka]

Brazil & Santos star Neymar wins 2011 Fifa Puskas award

The Brazilian youngster was rewarded for his solo action in a league match with the highly coveted award, beating Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney for the honour

Jan 9, 2012 6:55:00 PM

By Luis Mira

Neymar - Santos​

Santos forward Neymar has been announced as the winner of the 2011 Fifa Puskas Award for the best goal of the year.

Neymar was rewarded for his stunning solo strike during Santos' 5-4 defeat against Flamengo in the Brasileirao in July. The 19-year-old moved past a string of opponents before calmly sending the ball past the goalkeeper.
The Brazil international, who beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney for the honour, was presented the award by Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez.

Speaking on the special occasion, Neymar said: "I am really happy to be at this ceremony, to win this award against two great players, of whom I am a fan.

"I want to thank God for this and I would like to wish everyone a good ceremony."

Neymar, who has a contract with Santos until 2015, has committed his club future to the Copa Libertadores holders until the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.


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[Marcelo]

Werder Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs expresses interest in re-signing Diego
The Brazilian playmaker, who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, is under contract to Wolfsburg until 2014 but he would be welcomed back at the Weserstadion with open arms

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola: Maxwell close to joining Paris Saint-Germain
The Brazilian defender has struggled to nail down a regular place in the Catalans' line-up and is now in "advanced talks" over a move to the French capital

Espanyol confirm they are in negotiations with Malaga over the sale of Carlos Kameni
The Cameroon international has not made a first-team appearance for the Barcelona-based side this season, and may well be on his way to Andalucia in the near future

Cesar Luis Menotti: Neymar must decide whether he wants to be like Barcelona's Lionel Messi or Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo
The former Argentina international has urged the Santos sensation to pick a role model and one of the Spanish giants amid continued rumours over a move to Europe

Real Madrid's Miguel Pardeza: We do not want to sell Angel Di Maria
The Spanish table-toppers have stressed that they are not interested in selling the Argentine, who has allegedly attracted a €42m offer from a club in the Premier League

Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger: If we beat Barcelona, only then will we be considered the best
The 27-year-old believes that he and his colleagues will be the best in their positions only if they beat the Blaugrana, as he played down comparisons to Xavi and Iniesta

Real Madrid's Sami Khedira sustains ankle injury during Copa del Rey win over Malaga
The Germany international could face a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knock in his side's cup win on Tuesday in Andalucia

Barcelona's Carles Puyol: Real Madrid's lead is not insurmountable
The experienced defender has stressed that La Liga isn't decided yet as he feels the Catalans can close the five-point gap to Los Blancos in the remainder of the season

Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho: We defended very well against Malaga
The Portuguese coach praised his side for putting on a "pragmatic and practical" defensive performance in the cup win, but admitted that it wasn't a "brilliant" display overall

Former Mexico, Atletico Madrid and Real Zaragoza boss Javier Aguirre in discussions with Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal
The Riyadh giants are currently top of the Pro League but are dissatisfied with boss Thomas Doll's performance and are looking into signing a new coach

Real Madrid keen to ship Esteban Granero out on loan - report
The former Spain Under-21 international has no place in Jose Mourinho's plans and it is reported that the Portuguese coach will allow him to leave in January

Santos' Neymar: I did not meet with Barcelona on Tuesday
The Brazilian starlet rejected reports about having a meeting with Barca but then was enigmatic as he hinted at talks between his father and the Catalan giants

Romario's son: Barcelona's Lionel Messi is good but my father was better
The offspring of the 1994 World Cup winner believes that his dad is second only to compatriot Pele in the list of the greatest players of all time

On loan Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois eager to extend spell at Atletico Madrid
The highly-rated stopper joined the Blues last summer from Genk but is keen to stay in the Spanish capital for another season before trying to establish himself at Stamford Bridge

Former Atletico Madrid coach Gregorio Manzano unhappy with manner of sacking
The coach was dismissed by the Rojiblancos at the tail end of last month and was promptly replaced by Diego Simeone but he believes he should have been kept on

Jonathan Soriano ready to quit Barcelona and expresses interest in Benfica switch
The 26-year-old forward is out of contract at the end of the season and has admitted that he would be open to linking up with former team-mate Nolito in Lisbon

Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer: On our day, we're on par with Barcelona and Real Madrid
The Germany international believes the Bavarians can compete with the two La Liga giants, and voiced his ambition to finally become German champions in 2011-12

Paris Saint-Germain close to signing Barcelona's Maxwell - report
The Blaugrana left-back is believed to be on the verge of leaving Camp Nou for the French giants, who have made the Brazilian one of their defensive priorities

 

[Marcelo]

Wednesday 11th January 2012

Alves out of Copa clash

Dani Alves will sit out Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarter-final with Osasuna after suffering discomfort in his right leg during training on Tuesday, the club have said.

The Brazilian defender will be absent along with Andres Iniesta and Maxwell, with the pair omitted by Pep Guardiola.

Iniesta appears to be getting a rest, while Guardiola revealed Maxwell is close to sealing a move to big spending French club Paris St Germain.

"This is well advanced, but it is not yet closed," Guardiola said. "It seems he is not happy, as he has not had the playing time he wanted."

Barca will face Real Madrid in the semi-final should they advance, but Guardiola is not getting ahead of himself.

"I am only thinking about Osasuna," he said. "We will answer these questions (about Real Madrid) if we get through the quarter-finals.

We do not know what will happen. This is football. Last year we had a scare against Real Betis, and anything can happen."
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[Marcelo]

Schalke's Raul: I want Real Madrid win the treble this season
The legendary forward has admitted that he wants his former club to win all competitions they compete in this campaign and he believes Jose Mourinho's work is paying off

Barcelona closing in on Valencia's Jordi Alba - report
The Catalan giants are believed to be close to signing the young left-back with Maxwell poised to join PSG and Eric Abidal yet to sign a contract extension to stay at Camp Nou

Alfredo Di Stefano: Real Madrid fans have the right to jeer Cristiano Ronaldo
The club icon has voiced his opinion that the paying fans in the stadium are always right, and feels that players have to accept that they will be criticised by the crowd

Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: We still have work to do against Osasuna
The Catalans' head coach has stressed that their Copa del Rey last-16 tie against the Navarrans isn't decided yet, despite their comfortable home win last week

Valencia's Unai Emery: We showed quality and maturity against Sevilla in Copa del Rey
The 40-year-old coach was happy with his side's displays in the two-legged tie and stated that they dominated proceedings for most of Wednesday's fixture

Argentina FA president Julio Grondona dreams of Barcelona's Pep Guardiola's appointment
The 80-year-old believes that the Spanish coach could would be the right man to guide the national team, while stating that the country is proud to have a player like Lionel Messi

Agent: Barcelona's Jonathan Soriano wants to move to Benfica
The representative of the Spanish striker rejected reports about a move to Benfica being completed, but conceded that the Lisbon-based club are a strong possibility

Real Madrid's Sami Khedira out for up to four weeks with ankle injury
The midfielder's injury appears to be more serious than initially thought and he will most likely miss the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, in which Los Blancos could face Barcelona

Barcelona confirm deal to sell Maxwell to Paris Saint-Germain
The Catalans have revealed that the Brazilian defender has travelled to the French capital for a medical before completing his transfer to the Ligue 1 leaders

Atletico Madrid interested in Real Madrid's Fernando Gago - report
The Argentine midfielder is currently on loan at Roma but the Rojiblancos' new coach, Diego Simeone, would like to bring his compatriot to the Vicente Calderon this summer

 

[Marcelo]

Argentina want Guardiola

12 January 2012

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Argentina FA president Julio Grondona would be delighted to appoint Barcelona's Pep Guardiola as national coach.Guardiola, 40, took charge of Barca's first team in 2008 and has guided the Catalan giants to 13 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Argentina have changed coaches twice since the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South America as Sergio Batista took over from Diego Maradona before being replaced by Alejandro Sabella in the summer."If the Argentina FA had the financial possibility, Guardiola would be the coach of the national team," Grondona told Ona FM.

"It would be a dream to appoint him as coach."Grondona then said he hoped Barca striker Lionel Messi will help Argentina win the World Cup, but stressed that the 24-year-old's lack of international silverware does not raise questions about his talent."It would be very important that Messi won a World Cup with Argentina," he said.

"But it is not necessary that he does it to be the best, considering all that he has won.""There is no doubt that, although Argentina have not won a World Cup title (with Messi), we have one of the best players in the world."We are proud of Messi, not the other way around."

 

[Marcelo]

'There are no favourites between Real Madrid & Barcelona' - Gerard Pique looking forward to tight Copa del Rey Clasico
The 24-year-old says that fixtures between the two ferocious foes leave players physically and mentally exhausted and that the vanquished will feel a little diminished

Barcelona's Lionel Messi: Winning the 2011 Fifa Ballon d'Or was not a surprise
The Argentine attacker revealed that he had expected to win the award and added that he doesn't make the key decisions at Barca, before looking ahead to the future

Barcelona's Pedro doubtful for Real Madrid Copa del Rey clash
The Spain international picked up a knock on Thursday, and could face a spell on the sidelines which will keep him out of next week's cup Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu

'In my entire life I have never seen a player of such quality' - how Lionel Messi's path to greatness began against Fabio Capello's Juventus
The latest exclusive extract from Graham Hunter's book on the Catalan club examines the exciting emergence of the world's best player at Camp Nou back in 2005

Real Madrid's Iker Casillas: Cristiano Ronaldo has always had the support of the fans
The Spain captain has stressed that the Santiago Bernabeu faithful have not turned their backs on the Portuguese and assured that "it's a good thing" to have demanding fans

Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: Real Madrid Copa del Rey tie will be exciting for the fans
The Catalans' coach is eagerly anticipating the cup Clasico against their arch-rivals, but has downplayed the importance of the tie and the effect it will have on the league

Barcelona's Gerard Pique: No favourites for Copa del Rey tie against Real Madrid
The Spain international defender says that both clubs are evenly matched ahead of the upcoming Clasicos but insists that his side will travel to Madrid looking for the victory

Arsenal-owned attacker Wellington joins Alcoyano on loan
The Liga club were unwilling to retain the Brazilian youngster in their ranks and asked the Gunners if they could send him to the other Valencia-based side

Barcelona's Andreu Fontas sustains cruciate ligament injury
The 22-year-old defender was stretchered off in his side's Copa del Rey clash against Osasuna with a knee problem

Barcelona's Jonathan Soriano: I confirm there are advanced talks with Benfica
The Spanish striker revealed that he is closing in on a move to the Estadio da Luz and noted he is eager to reunite with Nolito after the duo played together at Camp Nou

Real Madrid's Iker Casillas feels Clasico has lost some of its shine
With the two great rivals now set to lock horns twice more in the Copa del Rey, the Spain goalkeeper feels that the derbies are not as special as they once were

Flamengo's Ronaldinho could boycott Copa Libertadores opener over unpaid wages
The former Barcelona and AC Milan ace is allegedly owed five months' salary and his brother has revealed that he could sit out the upcoming meeting with Real Potosi

Official: Paris Saint-Germain sign defender Maxwell from Barcelona
The former Ajax and Inter full-back failed to nail down a regular place in the Catalans' line-up and has decided to up sticks and move to the French capital

Malaga closing in on Real Madrid's Esteban Granero as Apono heads toward exit - report
The former Getafe man has seen little game time at the Santiago Bernabeu this season and despite rumoured interest from Arsenal, appears set to move to La Rosaleda

Chelsea, Real Madrid & Bayern Munich interested in River Plate's Lucas Ocampos - report
The European giants have all shown interest in the 17-year-old wonderkid, although the club's reluctance to sell means a spectacular offer would be needed

What happened next for Canales, Drenthe, Gago & Garay - how Real Madrid's summer exits are faring at their new clubs in 2011-12
Almost six months on from the close of the summer transfer window, Goal.com looks at the fortunes of half a dozen former Santiago Bernabeu stars since departing the Spanish side

 

[Marcelo]

La Liga preview: Real look to extend lead

13 January 2012

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Real Madrid will look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga when they travel to face Mallorca, while Barcelona host Real Betis.Jose Mourinho's league leaders Real increased their advantage to five points following a 5-1 win at home to Granada last week, as reigning champions Barca were held 1-1 against local rivals Espanyol.

Karim Benzema struck a brace, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Ramos all netted in the hefty victory at Santiago Bernabeu.Real will be without injured midfielder Sami Khedira for their trip to the Iberostar Stadium.The Germany holding player is set for an indefinite period on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage during a 1-0 Copa del Rey victory over Malaga on Tuesday.

It remains to be seen what impact the absence of Khedira will have on Real's title challenge in the coming months, but they are unlikely to be unduly troubled on Saturday against a team sitting 14th on the table.Mallorca have managed just one win in their last five league matches, but they can take confidence from a 6-1 thrashing administered to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Barcelona joined Mallorca in the tournament's quarter-finals after defeating Osasuna 2-1 on Thursday. A 6-1 aggregate victory earned Barca an enticing last-eight tie against holders Real, but for now the focus is back on league matters, with promoted club Real Betis the La Liga champions' next opponents. Betis have acquitted themselves well so far during their first season back in the top flight, but they will be hard pressed to prevent Barca from hitting back after their frustrating draw with Espanyol.

In other matches, third-placed Valencia, who are four points back from Barca, will look to keep pace with the top two for as long as possible in the second half of the campaign.Unai Emery's team host Real Sociedad on Saturday, and are likely to fancy their chances against the 16th-placed club.Also on Saturday, two promoted teams clash when Rayo Vallecano visit Granada.

Rock bottom Real Zaragoza will be desperate for points at home to mid-table Getafe and seventh meets eighth respectively when Sevilla host Espanyol.

On Sunday, third-bottom Villarreal visit Atletico Madrid and fifth-placed Osasuna await the arrival of Racing Santander, who are just one point and one place clear of the drop zone. Finally, high-flying Levante, who are fourth, travel to take on mid-table Athletic Bilbao, while sixth-placed Malaga go to second-bottom Sporting Gijon.

 

[Marcelo]

Mallorca's Joaquin Caparros: Real Madrid are better than last year
The Son Moix outfit's coach confesses his admiration for Jose Mourinho's side and adds that his players must show togetherness if they are to get a result on Sunday

From World Cup winner with Spain to bench-warmer at Benfica - What has happened to Joan Capdevila?
The experienced defender may find himself on the move once again in January after enduring a frustrating start to life at the Estadio da Luz since his summer move

Official: Former Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas signs for Mexican side Santos Laguna from Volga
The Spanish midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the central American side, and builds his reputation as a journeyman as he has played in Russia, Scotland and France

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Atletico Madrid's Tiago sets sights on Champions League places
The Portuguese midfielder is confident his side can still salvage the season, despite sitting at the wrong end of the table after the first half of the campaign

Barcelona's Pedro to miss Real Madrid Copa del Rey clash with hamstring injury
The Spain international picked up a knock on Thursday, and will face 10 days on the sidelines which will keep him out of next week's cup Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu

Official: Malaga sign Espanyol's Carlos Kameni on a free transfer
The Cameroonian custodian has put an end to his seven-and-a-half year spell with the Catalans after becoming unhappy with the club's 'lack of ambition' in recent months

Javier Mascherano adamant that Barcelona can catch Real Madrid
The Argentine admits that the Catalans are not in an ideal position, having fallen five points behind their rivals, but he believes that there is still all to play for

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho bemused by criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese has pointed out that his compatriot's goal tally this season of 21 goals in 17 Liga games warrants comparison with any player in Europe

Diego committed to Atletico Madrid until the end of the season but not ruling out Werder Bremen return
The Germans have expressed their wish to bring the Brazilian back to the Weserstadion but the playmaker insists that he is staying at the Vicente Calderon for the time being

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema: Back us against anyone
The France international admits that los Blancos are brimming with belief at the moment and are confident of maintaining their five-point advantage over title rivals Barcelona

Primera Division Tips: Real Madrid and Barcelona to dominate and Osasuna to keep a clean sheet
After two correct selections last week Phil Kitromilides is back with three more Spanish picks. They include early goals for Barcelona and Real Madrid​

 

[Marcelo]

La Liga wrap: Callejon wins it late for Real, Rayo edge Granada

15 January 2012

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La Liga leaders Real Madrid left it late before coming from behind to win 2-1 away to Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium on Saturday.H

osts Mallorca took the lead in the 39th minute of the match, when Chori Castro's low cross was met with a stooping header from Tomer Hemed to send the home fans delirious.As the second half wore on it appeared Mallorca might be on course for a rare triumph over the heavyweights from the capital, before Gonzalo Higuain's chipped finish in the 72nd minute saw the visitors level at 1-1.

Jose Mourinho's men then completed the turnaround with just five minutes remaining, when Jose Callejon slammed the ball home from just inside the area.With champions Barcelona not in action until Sunday, when they hosts Real Betis, the result gives Real an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

In other matches on Saturday, Rayo Vallecano continued their impressive season back in the top flight with a 2-1 win away to fellow promoted side Granada.Goals from Michu and Piti in the first and second half respectively gave visitors Rayo a 2-0 lead at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes. Fran Rico pulled one back for the hosts with two minutes remaining, but it was too late for Granada to take anything from the match.And they finished a man down when Inigo Lopez received a straight red card in the 90th minute.

Elsewhere, sixth-placed Sevilla were held to a 0-0 draw in their match at home to Espanyol, who are level on points with their opponents but two places worse off in eighth.Bottom side Real Zaragoza were denied all three points by a Paredes own goal with 11 minutes remaining in their clash with visiting Getafe.Zaragoza had led through Maurizio Lanzaro's 39th-minute goal, but new coach Manolo Jimenez was forced to settle for a point from his first match in charge.

Finally, Real Sociedad were surprise 1-0 winners away to Valencia in the late kick-off.Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute of the match at Estadio Mestalla.Sociedad's victory ends a run of three draws in succession and sees them climb to 13th on the table.Valencia stay third, but are now 12 points back from leaders Real.

 

[Marcelo]

Risks pay off for Mourinho

15 January 2012

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Jose Mourinho provided some insight into his tactics after Real Madrid came from behind to win 2-1 away to Mallorca in La Liga.Real were trailing 1-0 in Saturday's match when Mourinho opted to remove fullback Marcelo in favour of Fabio Coentrao, while another defender, Alvaro Arbeloa, made way for attacking midfielder Kaka.

Holding player Lassana Diarra came off for striker Gonzalo Higuain at the start of the second half, and it was the Argentina international who levelled the scores at 1-1 in the 72nd minute.Jose Callejon struck the winner for the visitors with five minutes remaining, and Mourinho revealed he already had instructions prepared for how the team should reorganise if they snatched a second goal.

"I had the note I gave Pepe ready in case we scored a second goal," Mourinho said."We had to take risks in the second half to win and the note specified the changes we would have to make if we scored again.""I know it's hard to communicate things when spirits flare and the note specified the changes, with Callejon falling back to the right back position to balance out our game."

"I replaced Marcelo because I wanted to use three defenders against an opponent with two wingers and a centre forward. I opted for three fast players: Fabio, Sergio (Ramos) and Pepe.""Many times, one has to replace players for tactical reasons, not because they did badly."Mourinho paid tribute to a stubborn Mallorca team, who appeared to be on course for a famous victory during much of the contest.

"We faced a team with a great coach (Joaquin Caparros) that organised itself perfectly in defence," he said."They knew what our strengths and our style are.""They were very focused and all their men played together waiting for a counterattack. I think they had a fantastic first half. You sometimes have to credit your opponent."

The victory leaves league leaders Real eight points clear of champions Barcelona, who play Real Betis on Sunday.

 

[Marcelo]

Former Real Madrid coach Miljan Miljanic dies aged 81
One of the most highly-regarded defensive coaches of all time, who won several trophies at Red Star Belgrade, sadly passed away on Friday following a long battle with cancer

Valencia's Unai Emery: We lacked imagination against Real Sociedad
The former Almeria boss pulled no punches in his assessment of Los Che's performance against the Basque club on Saturday, admitting they lacked creativity on the night

Newcastle United's Davide Santon hails influence of Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho during time at Inter
The Italy international has praised his former boss for helping him develop as a player, revealing it was the former Chelsea manager who made him change position as a youngster

Marcelino frustrated by Sevilla's lack of ruthlessness against Espanyol
The former Zaragoza boss says he is still struggling to come to terms with his side's failure to turn their possession into goals after the Andalusian team fired yet more blanks

Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho: We had to take risks to beat Mallorca
The Portuguese trainer praised the Blancos' opponents on Saturday, claiming they forced him into making several tactical decisions to help mastermind a narrow victory

Real Madrid's Jose Callejon hails important victory over Mallorca
The former Espanyol attacker, who scored the winning goal against the Islanders on Saturday, believes his side showed their character during the narrow victory

Nuri Sahin has not adapted to life at Real Madrid, says Borussia Dortmund's Hans-Joachim Watzke
The Bundesliga champions' CEO has taken a dig at the Spanish outfit by stating the midfielder has failed to settle in Spain as not every player is appreciated by the club

Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: We need to focus on Real Betis, not Wednesday's Clasico
The trainer has placed pressure on his side to win on Sunday as he believes failure to collect three points could put them out of the title race in the Spanish first division

 

[Marcelo]

Nuri Sahin has not adapted to life at Real Madrid, says Borussia Dortmund's Hans-Joachim Watzke

The Bundesliga champions' CEO has taken a dig at the Spanish outfit by stating the midfielder has failed to settle in Spain as not every player is appreciated by the club

Jan 14, 2012 6:05:00 PM

By Luke Matthews

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Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has stated that the reason why he believesNuri Sahin has struggled at Real Madrid is that he is not as valued at the Spanish giants compared to his time in the Bundesliga.

The Turkish international left the Westfalenstadion last summer for €10 million, but has had limited game time under Jose Mourinho, a frustration which has not been helped by a troublesome knee injury.​

BVB did not want to lose Sahin in the summer, although the side have received a recent boost by the news that the highly-coveted Mario Gotze is looking to stay at the club, and Watzke is adamant star players staying in Dortmund will be a common theme of the future.

"The tendency to go to Bayern Munich has not been around for the past two years. We have seen this through contract extensions, as with that of Mats Hummels [in whom Bayern expressed interest last season]. The players know that we are an ambitious club in which the individual is very much appreciated," the chief executive told Der Westen.

"With us, ever player is fully integrated with his strengths and weaknesses. You can see in the example of Nuri Sahin what a player is capable of in the right environment. In another environment [Real Madrid], he finds it much more difficult."

Watzke then moved on to talk about Dortmund's strengths and compared his side to direct rivals, Bayern Munich.

"BVB have no specific weakness but there is a disadvantage. Bayern, with whom we have a respectful, cooperative relationship have been successful for 40 years. The club name occupies the entire city in which they now have no more competition," he added.

"In the last five years, Bayern have only been champions twice but they keep coming back."

The CEO concluded by talking about the future of the club, a future he believes to be very bright.

"We have the largest stadium and are growing in all areas. The club's prospects are great but they core business, performance in football, is most important. If we are successful and passionately play football, we have plenty of opportunities," he added.