Liverpool linked with Real's Beckham.

Liverpool's prospective owners Dubai International Capital (DIC) are keen on signing up Real Madrid's David Beckham, according to a newspaper report.

The Sunday People claims that the new owners feel a move for ex-Manchester United midfielder Beckham would reassure supporters that their bid is more than a short-term, money making exercise.

Beckham is out of contract at the end of the season and looks certain to leave the Bernabeu after failing to win over new boss Fabio Capello.

Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, and some Serie A clubs have already made contact with his agent, according to the News of the World.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists that he wants to keep the former England skipper: "After the conversations we have had in recent months, David Beckham already has our offer for a new contract on the table. Now he has to decide.

"All of us would like to see him continue at our club and extend his contract."

Real Madrid president: Ramos will get new deal.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has assured fans they will secure defender Sergio Ramos to a new contract.Ramos is waiting to open talks over a new deal, with his situation alerting the interest of Italian giants AC Milan.

Aware of Milan's move for the defender last week, Calderon said: "I have not made any promise to Sergio Ramos. It seems, according to what has been confirmed to me by Pedja Mijatovic, that this promise came from the previous management, when they assured him a revision of his contract.

"But we cannot do that halfway through the season because it would create conflicts, as many players in the group are in a similar situation.

"Anyway, if the club had made him a promise, it will be necessary to fulfill it when the case arrives."

Inter To Go For Diarra?

To strengthen their midfield the Nerazzurri have put their eyes on Real Madrid player Mahamadou Diarra.

For the moment it's only an interesting idea, but the coming summer Mahamadou Diarra may become one of the most recurrent names in the Nerazzurri offices. The transfer gurus of Inter are monitoring the Mali midfielder's situation, whose feeling with Real is becoming feeble although last summer Fabio Capello pushed for his purchase from Lyon. Will the fracture be recomposed or is it the beginning of a separation in June, after only one season? We will see. As they expect news, however, technical director Branca and market consultant Oriali have already put the African player's name on their shopping list.

The reason for the great cold between the player and Real occurred last 17 December, a few minutes before the start of the match against Espanyol. Diarra was recorded by Canal Plus while he was talking with Cassano and Ronaldo about Capello. Cassano blatantly imitated the Italian coach and criticised his rotation system, with Diarra, a good friend of Cassano, agreeing while Ronaldo did not say anything negative. The consequence was that Cassano and Diarra were left out of the squad for the home game against Recreativo Huelva, which was lost 3-0. At today's training session Diarra was present as normal, but the decisive moment will come on 7 January in the game against Deportivo. Will he be on the pitch again or will Capello continue punishing him?

Real Madrid president: It's now up to Beckham.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says it's up to David Beckham to decide if he wants to play on at Santiago Bernabeu.

Real sports chief Pedja Mijatovic, having not heard from Becks nor his agents in the last week, contacted the England ace yesterday to organise a meeting for December 31 to discuss his contract. Real have offered Beckham a new two-year deal on the same salary - �4 million - plus a 50:50 split of his image rights.

For his part, Calderon said last night: "After the conversations that we have maintained in the last months, David Beckham already has our offer on the table. Now it is he who has to decide.

"We are very happy with David and we all would like that he continued with the club and that he renews his contract."

Real Madrid will win trophy this season - Robinho.

Robinho is convinced the current Real Madrid team can deliver a trophy to it's fans this season.

The Brazilian wing ace told AS: "I feel that this year something can be won. The defeat against Recre has left the fans with a very bitter taste in their mouths, but the certain thing is that we are alive and with possibilities in the three competitions.

"People are very nervous and I hope that this Christmas has helped us to recall what happened to us in the Bernabeu.

"I am anxious to win something and I have the feeling this year we will at least win one title. The Liga or the Champions League or both."

Asked about a personal ambition for 2007, Robinho replied: "I am not going to lie to you: I would like to be able to be the best player in the world."

Madrid consider buying Ribery, report says.

Spanish first division club Real Madrid are considering signing France international Franck Ribery if David Beckham leaves at the end of the season, Marca newspaper reported on Friday.

If unsettled Beckham leaves, Real is thinking about signing the 23-year-old Marseille midfielder, the paper said.

Ribery shot to the top clubs' eyes in France's run to last summer's World Cup final.

Source: Xinhua

Rossoneri Target Ramos Deal.

AC Milan are reportedly trying to seal a deal to sign Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

The 20-year-old stopper has become a key figure at the Santiago Bernabeu since a £19million move from Sevilla in the summer of 2005.

But now the Rossoneri are hoping to prise him away from the Spanish capital and take him to Serie A.

According to Spanish daily Marca, the Italian giants have met with Rene Ramos, Sergio's brother and agent.

The paper says Milan offered a five-year deal for the player, but the answer was negative with Ramos happy to stay with Los Galacticos for now.

Ronaldo wants to keep playing while he still have a passion for it.

Real Madrid's Brazilian striker, Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima, said in Rio de janeiro that he will continue playing while he still has a passion for it. The World Cup's greatest scorer said that he doesn't think too much about the future when setting his own personal goals. This has made his possible future participation in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa -during which he would be 34 years old- a mistery.

I don't think ahead too much. I don't think about 2010. I only want to keep playing while I still have a passion for it," said Ronaldo on Brazilian television programme Globo Esporte.

Ronaldo played a friendly match today with other Brazilian footballers such as Emerson and Gabriel.

Despite making great efforts and showcasing speed, Real Madrid's striker didn't score any goals.

Former Madrid player Figo joins Al Ittihad.

UNSETTLED Inter-Milan star Luis Figo has joined Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad for US$8 million ($12m).

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger signed a six-month deal to play for the two-time Asian champions.

The 34-year-old will move to Saudi Arabia next week.

Al Ittihad won the Asian Champions League in 2004 and 2005, but were knocked out in the quarter-finals this year.

Robinho seeks food at charity match.

Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho has brought together a team of Brazilian soccer greats to play a charity match, and asked fans to contribute food before seeing the game.

'It is a great joy to return to the Santo stadium, my second home, and to help Brazil's charities,' said Robinho.

His team includes Diego, Elano, Renato, Leo and Deivid, who were former Santos players but now play for various European clubs.

Corinthians player Carlos Alberto will lead the opponent team. The team will feature players like Deco, who plays for Spanish league team Barcelona, as well as Vagner Love, Romario and Falcao, who plays five-a-side football.

Robinho asked fans to donate at least one kilogram of non-perishable food at the entry to the stadium.

'We will play in white, the colour of peace, friendship and union between people,' Robinho added.

Cassano set for Real exit.

Italian international striker Antonio Cassano is set to end his nightmare year at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old five million euros buy from AS Roma is not wanted by coach Fabio Capello - under whose aegis he played at Roma - after failing to settle and a series of incidents which irritated the team management.

"They have had enough of his moodswings," said sports paper AS on Tuesday.

"Capello and sports director Pedja Mijatovic want him to leave."

Several Italian clubs including Roma, who bought him for 28million euros shortly after they won the 2001 Scudetto, and AC Milan could be interested in Cassano according to the paper, though, Real will not let him go for just any price.

Also his estimated wages of 4million euros a year could complicate any eventual transfer.

Cassano's international career has suffered accordingly since he scored on his Italy debut against Poland in November 2003 and played for the Azzurri at the 2004 European championships in Portugal where they went out in the first round group stage.

Subsequent to that he was left out by Marcello Lippi because of his expanding waistline and loss of form and not even the move to Real last January could reignite his faint hopes of making the World Cup squad.

He has, though, caught the eye of Lippi's replacement Roberto Donadoni having been included in one of his squad's for two Euro 2008 qualifiers though he was subsequently dropped from the next two.

Real president Calderon: Gago capture like winning lottery.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said the signing of Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago was like winning the lottery.

The 20-year-old passed a medical and completed his US$27mil move from Boca Juniors to Real, putting pen to paper on a six-and-a-half year contract.

“Today is the draw for the (Spain’s famous Christmas) lottery, yet we have already won. Our prize is right here,” Calderon said on Friday as Gago was presented to the media.

“It hasn’t been easy to bring him here. But I would like to thank him for giving up a large amount of money to choose us, when so many others wanted his services.”

Gago joins teenage Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, and Brazilian fullback Marcelo as the club’s recent new signings, as the nine-times European champions look to rejuvenate their squad.

“This trio of aces, along with the players emerging from the youth teams, allow us to take a step towards a new generation of players who will bring freshness and new hope to the fans,” Calderon added. “By combining veterans with youth we will put this club back on the road to success.”

Gago has been likened to Argentine midfielder Fernando Redondo who played with Real between 1994 and 2000, but the youngster wanted to distance himself from these comparisons.

“I don’t feel under any pressure being likened to Redondo. He is my idol and has been since I was young, but we are very different players,” said a softly-spoken Gago.

“I know I will have to adapt to a different style of play here but I will do it calmly and patiently like I did at Boca.

“This is the club of my dreams and I want to achieve great things here and to be a success in European football.”

Real Madrid win option on Boca Juniors star trio.

Boca Juniors' rejection of a Barcelona bid for Rodrigo Palacio may be linked to the Argentine club's new relationship with Real Madrid.

After turning down a �13 million bid from Barca for the striker, Boca president Mauricio Macri revealed Real had negotiated first option on three of their players - defenders Matias Cahais and Jonatan Maidana plus midfielder Ever Banega.

"Before we sell, Real Madrid have the opportunity to match any offer for them," confirmed Macri.

Macri is close friends with Real director Franco Baldini and worked with the Madrid club's powerbrokers over the sale of Fernando Gago last week.

Jésus Gil Trophy: Atletico 0-0 Real Madrid (4-3).

MATCH REPORT:

0 (4) - ATLETICO MADRID: Cuéllar; Molinero, Pablo, Azcárate, Antonio López; Galletti, Jurado, Gabi, Mista; Torres and Agüero. Zahínos, Ballesteros, Víctor Bravo, Marcos Martín, Miguel Ramos, Batres, Pollo, Vara, Falcón (reserve keeper), Jacobo and Raúl Llorente also played

0 (3) - REAL MADRID: Diego López; Michel Salgado, Pavón, Cannavaro, Raúl Bravo; Guti, De la Red; Nieto, Raúl, Reyes; Alvaro Negredo. Mejía, Miñambres, Iván Helguera, Adrián González, Bueno, Borja Valero and Sergio also played.

PENALTIES: 1-0: Jacobo, goal. 1-1: Borja Valero, goal. 1-1: Víctor Bravo, Diego López save. 1-2: Adrián, goal. 2-2, Batres, goal. 2-2: Bueno, miss. 3-2: Zahínos, goal. 3-3: Negredo, goal. 4-3: Pollo, goal. 4-3: Nieto, Falcón save.

REFEREE: Carlos Megía Dávila (Madrid Referee Association).

NOTES: Second edition of the Jesús Gil y Gil Memorial Trophy organised in honour of the former Atletico Madrid President who passed away in May 2004. Match played at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in front of 25,000 fans. A minute of silence was held before kickoff in honour of those season ticket holders from both sides who passed away in 2006, as well as the four Recreativo Huelva supporters who died last Wednesday in a coach accident. The proceeds of tonight's match will go to the Brain Injury Association of Spain and the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Madrid. The match was also played under the slogan 'A touch against gender discrimination'.

Jésus Gil Trophy squad list.

Neither the Brazilians, Ramos nor Van Nistelrooy to play

Twenty-two men have been called up by Fabio Capello for Friday's friendy against Atletico Madrid. Marcelo finds his name on this list for the first time as a Madridista, while Ramos and Van Nistelrooy will not play. Diarra and Cassano are still recovering from injury and the Brazilians were granted one extra day of vacation.

Sergio, Negredo, De la Red, Adrián González, Nieto, Borja Valero, Bueno and Granero are the eight Castilla players Fabio Capello has included on the squad list for Friday's match against Atletico Madrid. They join everyone from the First Team, with the exception of the Brazilians (Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Robinho and Ronaldo) who were granted on extra day of vacation by the Club, Ramos and Van Nistelrooy, and Cassano and Diarra, who are recovering from adductor problems.

Meanwhile, Marcelo will defend the Real Madrid shirt for the first time. He has yet to be given the opportunity to show what he is truly capable of on the pitch, and Madridistas will get their first chance to see the left back in action on Friday night. Also making the list for the first time this season is Miñambres, who has recovered from his knee injury.

Tomorrow's Jésus Gil Trophy II friendly will also be a good chance for Helguera. The centre back was unable to play against Recreativo Huelva, so this match could be the first stepping stone in making his return from the medical report.

SQUAD LIST:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López .

Defenders:Cannavaro, Salgado, Helguera, Pavón, Mejía, Raúl Bravo, Miñambres, Marcelo and Sergio.

Midfielders: Beckham, Reyes, Guti, De la Red, Adrián, Granero, Nieto and Valero.

Forwards: Raúl, Negredo and Bueno.

Not called up: Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Robinho, Ronaldo, Cassano, Diarra, Sergio Ramos and Van Nistelrooy.

Pre-match preparation: Friday @ 8 pm CET at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Fernando Gago-New Signing.

Redondo's heir apparent lands at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Fernando Gago, the best number ‘5’ Argentina has to offer and one of the most complete footballers of the world will sign for Real Madrid with the goal of becoming the best player of his age throughout the football world. This signing, along with that of Marcelo and Higuaín, is part of the promised project to build a team with a promising future.

Fernando Rubén Gago was born on 10 April 1986 in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires. He began his career at Parque, a modest Club where former Madridistas like Fernando Redondo and Esteban Cambiasso, two players with similar styles to Gago, got their start. Villarreal's Juan Román Riquelme was also a product of Parque CF.

His next stop was the youth categories of Boca Juniors, where his entire professional career was developed. Like many Argentinian players, Gago has a nickname. They have called him “Pintita”, or “Drawer”, since he was a young boy, as his coach would scold him by shouting “stop drawing and run!” He made his First Division debut with Boca on 5 December 2004, which was a 1-0 win over Quilmes. But it was during the 2005 season that his career took off and made him the star he is today.

Gago is a very dynamic footballer who bases his play on ball movement. His style resembles that of Guardiola because of his great capacity to distribute the game and because his mental prowess tends to surpass his strength. Gago became a Boca fixture shortly after making his debut, and all balls had to go through him. He also has the ability to reach the opponent's box, perhaps even moreso than Redondo, who he reminds us of by his vision, his way of covering ground, and his ball protection. Gago also knows how to take advantage of his elbows and is a player who never hides. He recovers well and distributes even better.

Fernando Gago was an Under-21 international and is on course to play for Argentina's national team. His greatest triumph so far was winning the World Youth Championship in Holland in 2005 with Argentina. Other members of the team included Oscar Ustari, Lionel Messí, and Sergio Agüero.

They say…

Maradona: “He's one of the best wingers in the world and should never be left off the national team.”
Fernando Redondo: “Gago is the type of player I would always want on my team. He has all the characterstics of my type of midfielder. He goes all out, keeps his head held high, and is great at reading the game.”
Jorge Valdano: “He's a footballer taylormade to the Club. He thinks fast and well, and will always make sure the ball gets to where it's supposed to. Gago is exactly what Real Madrid need at the moment.”
Vicente Del Bosque: “Signing Gago is the right call. He's a good player.”

Track record
Apertura 2005 champion with Boca Juniors
Clausura 2006 champion with Boca Juniors
South American Cup 2005 champion with Boca Juniors
South American Cup Winner's Cup 2004 and 2005 with Boca Juniors
FIFA's World Youth Championship 2005 with Argentina

MATCH REPORT: REAL MADRID Vs RECREATIVO HUELVA.

First Division - Day 16

Real Madrid 0 - Recreativo Huelva 3 Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado (Mejía 65'), Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Beckham, Guti, Emerson (Robinho 46'), Raúl; Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo (Reyes 65'). 4-4-2. Recreativo: López Vallejo; Merino, Beto (César Arzo 54'), Mario , Poli; Cazorla, Viqueira, Jesús Vázquez, Aitor; Uche (Javi Guerrero 80'), Sinama-Pongolle (Juanma 65'). 4-4-2. Team changes: Madrid: Beckham, Ronaldo for Robinho, Reyes / Recreativo: Poli for Dani Bautista. Goals: 0-1. 35. Sinama-Pongolle. Went past Cannavaro and shot wide of Casillas. 0-2. 51. Uche. Picked up ball on left wing and cut in to shoot low past keeper. 0-3. 88. Viqueira. Bent long free kick over wall and in to top corner of net.

Real Madrid 0 : 3 Recreativo Huelva.

Real Madrid		Recreativo Huelva
0		3
GOALS
		Florent Sinama Pongolle 35 Ikechuwke Uche 52 Emilio Jose Viqueira 90
YELLOW CARDS
David Beckham 25 Sergio Ramos 82		Aitor 59 Mario 74

Tenerife 3 : 2 Real Madrid Castilla.

Tenerife		Real Madrid Castilla
3		2
GOALS
Luis Gil 34 Jose Antonio Culebras 34 Ayoze 40		Juan Manuel Mata 58 Alvaro Negredo 60
RED CARDS
Ayoze 45

Real Madrid signs Gago from Boca Juniors.

Real Madrid completed the signing of Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago, after agreeing on an 18.5 million euro ($ 24.4 million) transfer fee from Boca Juniors, television station SER reported.

Madrid will reportedly present Gago as a member of the team Friday after the deal was completed Tuesday.

Recreativo Huelva fans killed in motorway smash.

Recreativo de Huelva bosses have called for tonight's Primera Liga clash with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu to be called off after three of their fans died on the way to the match in a collision with a lorry on the A-49 Huelva-Sevilla motorway at around 00.35am last night. The driver of the coach in which they were travelling was also killed and around 40 other passengers were injured, fourteen of whom seriously.

The injured were taken to various hospitals in the provinces of Sevilla and Huelva while the four fatal victims, one of whom is a woman, arrived back in Huelva at 6am this morning for autopsies to be performed. It is not known at this stage when the bodies will be released for burial or cremation.

Of the fourteen seriously injured, two are children and four are women.

The exact cause of the collision with a lorry transporting fish is not yet known for certain, though there are reports that the lorry may have been blocking the carriageway following an earlier accident.

Real Madrid to recall Middlesbrough's Woodgate.

Real Madrid are understood to be considering recalling England defender Jonathan Woodgate in January.

The central defender is currently on a season-long loan with his hometown club Middlesbrough.

"We are happy with Woodgate," said coach Fabio Capello. "He is playing very well in England at the moment."

Capello refused to rule out the prospect of bringing Woodgate back to Spain when the transfer window re-opened.

"If we come across a player that will improve the team then maybe we will consider it, but we shall see."

Madrid completes signing of Higuaín.

Teenage striker Gonzalo Higuain passed a routine medical exam Wednesday and has completed his move from River Plate to Real Madrid.

"The tests we have employed show he is a player who has no problems and is in perfect condition," the head of Madrid's medical services, Alfonso del Corral, told the club's Web site.

Higuain, regarded as one of South America's most promising players, signed a 6 1/2-year contract and will be presented Thursday.

Madrid will reportedly pay $17 million for the 19-year-old striker, who will be eligible to play for his new team once the transfer window opens the following day.

Last month, he rejected a call up from France.

Higuain was born in France of Argentine parents -- his father played for French club Brest -- but moved to Argentina when he was a baby and does not speak French.

Madrid is also negotiating to sign 20-year-old Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago as part of its attempt to inject some fresh blood into an aging team, which last won a major trophy in 2003.

Last month, Madrid signed 18-year-old Brazil left back Marcelo from Fluminense for a reported fee of $7.9 million.

Disciplinary Committee relieves Cannavaro's second caution, who will finally feature.

Committee rights a wrong
Disciplinary Committee relieves Cannavaro's second caution, who will finally feature.

The Spanish FA Disciplinary Committee has decided to relieve Fabio Cannavaro of the second yellow card during last Sunday's game in Montjuich during the Espanyol-Real Madrid encounter. This way, Cannavaro will only keep the first booking for dangerous play. Therefore, the Italian defender will be fully available to feature in Wednesday's clash against Recreativo Huelva at the Santiago Bernabéu if Fabio Capello deems it necessary.

Teamsheet Vs Recreativo Huelva.

Fabio Capello has called up a total of nineteen players for the home match against Recreativo Huelva tomorrow. David Beckham is back in the list after last weekend's 5-caution cycle suspension. Meanwhile, Ivan Helguera will not be back in time to feature and Antonio Cassano and Mahamadou Diarra still have some groin niggles which impede them from being lined up. De la Red and Sergio are the youth players who made this matchday's squad list.

SQUAD LIST:

Goalkeepers: Casillas & Diego Lopez .

Defenders: Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Pavón, Mejía, Roberto Carlos, Raul Bravo & Sergio.

Midfielders: Emerson, Beckham, Guti, Reyes, Robinho & De la Red.

Forwards: Raul, Van Nistelrooy & Ronaldo.

Not called up: Cicinho, Cassano, Diarra & Helguera (injured).

MEDICAL REPORT

Cicinho: Torn anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee. Surgery (26/09/06).

Helguera: Bruised right quadriceps. Medical treatment and physiotherapy. Trains with squad.

Diarra: Right groin adductor muscle sprain. Medical treatment and physiotherapy. Unfit for the Real Madrid-Recreativo Huelva match-up.

Cassano: Strained left adductor muscle. Medical treatment and physiotherapy. Unfit for the Real Madrid-Recreativo Huelva match-up.

Fabio Cannavaro: Winner of the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

It's what everyone expected and there were no surprises as Joseph Blatter announced the name of Fabio Cannavaro as the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year. The moved Italian centre back thanked the national team coaches and captains by saying, "I would like to express my gratitude to FIFA, the coaches, the captains, and all my teammates that I have ever had."

On Monday at 8 pm CET, the Zurich Opera House hosted the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year gala, which culminated with the announcement of the World Player of the Year selected by national team coaches and captains. The magical evening dubbed "Football meets Mozart" was hosted by Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit and television presenter Amanda McLane-Attali, and was punctuated with snippets from Mozart's operas and video clips of the exploits of each nominee.

The first trophies and awards presented were those won during the 2006 German World Cup. To kick things off, the Fair Play Trophy was presented to the Spanish and Brazilian national teams, who shared the same number of points. It was followed by the Golden (Klose), Silver (Hernán Crespo) and Bronze (Ronaldo) Boot awards, and then the Golden Ball (Zidane), Silver Ball (Cannavaro), and Bronze Ball (Pirlo). Italy's Buffon was honoured as the Best Goalkeeper but was unable to attend the event.

The icing on the cake
After delighting those in attendence with a new Mozart piece, the two most magical moments of the night arrived. First came the announcement of the 2006 FIFA Woman World Player, bestowed upon the Brazilian, Marta, who received a warm round of applause from fellow countryman Ronaldo. Minutes later it was Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldinho and Zidane's turn to find out who would be named FIFA World Player 2006. Edgar Davids, Frank Beckenbauer, and Lothar Mattaüs assisted Joseph Blatter with the announcement. What everyone had predicted since Sunday was true, as the FIFA President read the Italian player's name as the big winner of the night.

“It's a huge honour to be here among so many renown players. This has been a very important year for me and I am very happy and touched. It was an incredible year. I won the championship with Juve, the World Cup, the Golden Ball, and this great distinction brings a golden year to a close. I would like to express my gratitude to FIFA, the coaches, the captains, and all my teammates that I have ever had. I dedicate this award to Italian football, as everyone knows about the problems it has gone through. This should be a symbol of rebirth for an important system of international football,” stated Cannavaro.

Club support
President Ramón Calderón and Real Madrid's Sporting Director Pedja Mijatovic accompanied Cannavaro, Raúl and Ronaldo on their travels to Zurich to attend the gala celebrated at the Opera House. As was the case during the presentation of the Golden Ball last month, the Madridista President wanted Cannavaro to feel support from Real Madrid during such an important moment of his football career.

The President shared the evening with his Barcelona counterpart, Joan Laporta, who saw his hopes for Ronaldinho winning the trophy for the third straight year dashed.

FIFA WORLD PLAYER 2006 RANKING:
1. Fabio Cannavaro, (Juventus / Real Madrid), 480 points.
2. Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), 454 points.
3. Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona), 380 points.

FABIO CANNAVARO'S TRACK RECORD:

European U-21 Champion in 1994 (Italy).

European U-21 Champion in 1995 (Italy).

1 UEFA Cup (Parma, 1999).

2 Italian Cups (Parma, 1999 and 2002).

1 Italian Scudetto (Juventus, 2005).

1 FIFA World Cup (Italy, 2006).

1 Golden Ball (2006).

FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1991-2006
YEAR	1st	2nd	3rd
2006	CANNAVARO	Zidane	Ronaldinho
2005	Ronaldinho	Frank Lampard	Samuel Eto'o
2004	Ronaldinho	Thierry Henry	Shevchenko
2003	Zinedine Zidane	Thierry Henry	Ronaldo
2002	Ronaldo	Oliver Kahn	Zinedine Zidane
2001	Luis Figo	David Beckham	Raúl
2000	Zinedine Zidane	Luis Figo	Rivaldo
1999	Rivaldo	David Beckham	Gabriel Batistuta
1998	Zinedine Zidane	Ronaldo	Davor Suker
1997	Ronaldo	Roberto Carlos	Bergkamp/Zidane
1996	Ronaldo	George Weah	Alan Shearer
1995	George Weah	Paolo Maldini	Jürgen Klinsmann
1994	Romario	Hristo Stoitchkov	Roberto Baggio
1993	Roberto Baggio	Romario	Dennis Bergkamp
1992	Marco Van Basten	Hristo Stoitchkov	Thomas Hässler
1991	Lothar Matthäus	Jean-Pierre Papin	Gary Lineker

Ronaldo receives Bronze Boot as third top scorer; Raúl accepts Fair Play Trophy for Spain.

Awards galore. Three Madridistas made their way on stage at the Zurich Opera House on Monday night to accept various prizes. One of them, Fabio Cannavaro, was honoured twice. Not only was the Italian centre back named 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year, but he also won the Silver Ball as the second best player of the German World Cup, played between 9 June and 9 July. Meanwhile, Ronaldo was presented with the Bronze Boot and Raúl accepted FIFA's Fair Play Trophy on behalf of the Spanish national team.

Bronze Boot for a one of a kind forward
Germany's Miroslav Klose, who score five World Cup goals, received the Golden Boot as the competition's top scorer, while Hernán Crespo and Ronaldo, who each had three goals, took home the Silver Boot and Bronze Boot, respectively. The Bronze Boot is presented to the third top scorer of the FIFA World Cup according to the following criteria: the number of goals scored, then, the number of passes resulting in goals, and third, minutes played.

After the World Cup had ended, several players had tallied three goals on their score sheets, among whom were Ronaldo and Spain's Fernando Torres and David Villa. That is when FIFA proceeded to count goal assists, but because Crespo and Ronaldo were also level in that category, FIFA then moved on to the number of minutes on the pitch each player had seen. Hernán Crespo scored three goals and one assist in 305 minutes, while Ronaldo had three goals and one assist in 409 minutes.

Brazil's '9' arrived in Germany amid controversy about his technique and fitness. Although Ronaldo and Brazil were unable to get get passed the quarterfinals, the Madridista forward scored three goals in five matches, making him the top Brazilian scorer in the competition and the Bronze Boot presented by Adidas winner.

Ronaldo played in five matches during the final phase of the German World Cup, for a total of 409 minutes. The striker also served up one assist (to Adriano against Australia) and had a total of 15 shots on goal, eight of which were in between the woodwork.

His best match came against Japan, which earned him the Budweiser Man of the Match honour. When it was made official that Ronaldo had won the Bronze Boot, Roy Hodgson, member of FIFA's Technical Study Group, stated, “Ronaldo received this award thanks to two excellent goals he scored, especially the first, which came at a key moment of the match. Moreover, his performance throughout the match was also decisive in this process.”

We cannot forget that in Germany Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in the history of the World Cup after finding the back of the net against Ghana. His 15th goal was one more than Germany's Gerd Müller. With four goals in the French World Cup and eight in the Japan & Korea, Ronaldo moved ahead of Jurgen Klismann (11), Sándor Kocsis (11) and Just Fontaine (13).

Fair Play Trophy handed to Raúl
Real Madrid's number ‘7’ also shared the spotlight at the FIFA World Player 2006 gala. The Madridista forward flew to Zurich as the captain the Spanish national team, and there he joined coach Luis Aragonés to receive the Fair Play Trophy, which Spain shared with Brazil, being that both sides shared the same number of points in the World Cup's Fair Play ranking. Representing Brazil, who take home the piece of hardware for the third time, were Ricardo Teixeira and Ronaldo. FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG) awarded each team a total of 886 of the 1,000 possible points.

The award is presented to the team that shows the best behaviour on and off the pitch according to a points system and criteria established by the FIFA Committee for Ethics and Fair Play. Every match is evaluated, but only teams that move on to the Round of 16 are considered candidates for the award, which consists of the Fair Play Trophy, medals for the players and coaching staff, a diploma, and 50,000 dollars worth of football equipment to be used for youth development.

The evaluation is carried out according to six criteria which place an emphasis on the positive rather than the negative aspects of a team’s performance. The number of cards a team receives is the only way that points can be deducted. The other criteria taken into consideration are: positive play, with points awarded for an attractive, offensive-minded playing style; respect for opponents; respect for the officials; behaviour of the coaching staff and the behaviour of supporters.

Van Nistelrooy, Guti and Reyes finished the game with physical problems.

The Dutch striker received a strong blow on his sacred bone, while Guti and Reyes also received hard knocks on their ankles. All three players will be examined by the Club's medical staff at Valdebebas on Monday, when a decision will be made concerning their recovery.

Espanyol 0-1 Real Madrid.

Espanyol		Real Madrid
0		1
GOALS
		Ruud van Nistelrooij 50
RED CARDS
		Fabio Cannavaro 54
YELLOW CARDS
Hurtado Moises 14 Pablo Javier Zabaleta 77		Robinho 39 Fabio Cannavaro 48 Roberto Carlos 73 Michel Salgado 81

Match Report: Espanyol Vs Real Madrid.

First Division - Day 15

Espanyol 0 - Real Madrid 1 Espanyol: Kameni; Zabaleta, Jarque, Torrejón, Chica; Rufete (Pandiani 56'), Moisés Hurtado, De la Peña, Moha (Corominas 75'); Luis García, Tamudo. 4-4-2. Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Guti, Emerson; Robinho (Mejía 55'), Raúl, Reyes (Diarra 70'); Van Nistelrooy (Raúl Bravo 85'). 4-2-3-1. Team changes: Espanyol: No change / Madrid: Robinho, Reyes for Beckham, Ronaldo. Goals: 0-1. 49. Van Nistelrooy. Picked up Guti pass and beat Kameni with shot on turn.

Real Madrid Castilla 3 : 2 Vecindario.

Castilla are level with Ejido on points thanks to a 3-2 victory over bottom club Vecindario, Adrian and Negredo (twice) putting Michel's side ahead before two late goals from the Canary Islanders.

The return of an historical rivalry: Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich know each other perfectly well, despite not having faced each other in a European competition in a long time. The classic clash returns when both teams happen to be going through a very different phase. Real Madrid are living a time of change and successful progress, while the Germans rely mostly on their waning stars, but still prove to be a dangerous team with a lot to offer. The Champions League returns to the Bernabéu and Real Madrid will fight hard to win their favourite trophy once more.

Bayern Munich will be Real Madrid's rival in the last 16 of the Champions League. The German side are an "old foe" of the Whites, against whom they've played some of the most vibrant and exciting final rounds of the competition in recent years. Bayern still have some of the players they had in their ranks when they faced Real Madrid three consecutive years. They are an aggressive and creative side that stands strong in their new stadium, the Allianz Arena, but that proves much weaker in away games.

Bayern Munich may not be the dominant team of the Bundesliga, but they are still strong, currently holding the fourth position behind Werder Bremmen, Shalke 04 and Stuttgart, who are complicating things for Felix Magath's men in a competition that relies heavily on regularity. Nevertheless, they are only three points away from the top spot and they are the best performing team in home games.

The principal difference to the team this season is the absence of their star, Michael Ballack, who is currently playing for Mourinho's Chelsea. His substitute is a young Polish player named Lucas Podolski, a left footed forward with a natural instinct to score. He is normally accompanied in the attack by veterans Pizarro and Roy Makaay.

Their midfield is guarded by two important players, Van Bommel -known to Spanish crowds for his brief spell at Barcelona- and Schweinsteiger -who has a similar style to Effenberg's. Their defense is comprised by Lahm as left back -the best in his position after Roberto Carlos- Sagnol as right back and Lucio. Legendary keeper Oliver Kahn still guards their goal.

The Teutonic squad also holds other quality players, such as Sebastián Deisler, -who has never really had the chance of shining due to his frailty- Owen Hargreaves Salihamidzic -one of the surviving members from the classic clashes with the Whites- and Roque Santa Cruz, a very good attacking alternative for the Germans.

The first match will be played in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium either the 20 or 21 February 2007, and the return game will take place in Munich on the 6 or 7 March. The winners of the second round of the competition will enter a new draw held on 9 March in Athens to decide which teams face each other in the quarterfinals.

Bayern Munich Established: 1900 Stadium: Allianz Arena. Capacity: 66,000 Coach: Felix Magath Captain: Oliver Kahn European Cup appearances: 24, 10 of which were in the Champions League Track Record 20 German Leagues 13 German Cups 5 League Cups 2 Intercontinental Cups 4 European Cups 1 Cup Winners' Cup 1 UEFA Cup Performance in the Champions League in recent years: 2005/06: Last 16 2004/05: Quarterfinals 2003/04: Last 16 2002/03: Second Group Stage 2001/02: Quarterfinals 2000/01: Winner

SQUAD

Nº	PLAYER	POSITION	AGE
1	Oliver Kahn	Goalkeeper	37
22	Michel Rensing	Goalkeeper	24
29	Bernd Dreher	Goalkeeper	40
2	Willy Sagnol	Defender	29
3	Lucio	Defender	28
5	Daniel van Buyten	Defender	28
18	Andreas Görlitz	Defender	24
21	Philipp Lahm	Defender	23
25	Valérien Ismael	Defender	31
30	Christian Lell	Defender	22
6	Martin Demichelis	Midfielder	26
7	Mehmet Scholl	Midfielder	36
8	Ali Karimi	Midfielder	28
17	Van Bommel	Midfielder	29
19	Julio dos Santos	Midfielder	23
20	Hasan Salihamidzic	Midfielder	29
23	Owen Hargreaves	Midfielder	25
26	Sebastian Deisler	Midfielder	26
31	Schweinsteiger	Midfielder	22
36	Stephan Fürstner	Midfielder	19
39	Andreas Ottl	Midfielder	21
10	Roy Makaay	Forward	31
11	Lukas Podolski	Forward	21
14	Claudio Pizarro	Forward	28
24	Roque Santa Cruz	Forward	25
Coach: Felix Magath.

Real Madrid to face Bayern Munich in the Last 16 in UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will face each other in the second round of the 2006/07 Champions League. The German side are a classic rival of the Whites' in the competition and will once again prove to be a tough rival on Real Madrid's way to winning their tenth European Cup. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will receive Bayern Munich either on 20 or 21 February 2007, while the return game will be held in Munich on 6 or 7 March.


2006/07 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 DRAW: ----------------------------------------------------------

Porto (POR)-Chelsea (ENG) Celtic (SCO)-AC Milan (ITA). PSV Eindhoven (HOL)-Arsenal (ENG). Lille (FRA)-Manchester United (ENG). AS Roma (ITA)-Olympique Lyonnais (FRA). Barcelona (SPA)-Liverpool (ENG). REAL MADRID (SPA)-Bayern Múnich (GER). Valencia (SPA)-Internazionale Milano (ITA).

Higuain celebrates £8M Real Madrid deal.

Real Madrid have completed the signing of River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain for £8 million.

The 18 year-old will officially join Real next month after River were talked down from their original £9 million asking price, which they demanded in negotiations on Wednesday.

"It was the most difficult negotiations in our lives," said River finance chief Hector Grinberg, who had warned Real chiefs Franco Baldini and Pedja Mijatovic of a late bid from Bayern Munich yesterday.

For his part, Higuain has signed a contract through to 2013 and declared: "I am immensely happy because everything has been closed, because my dream has been fulfilled. Real Madrid was my dream and now it has been fulfilled. I am hoping to be a success in Madrid."

Cannavaro wins another award.

Italy's World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has added the World Soccer magazine player of the year award to his European prize.

Three weeks after receiving the Golden Ball, polled by France Football magazine, the Real Madrid defender was a runaway winner Friday of the World Soccer poll of its readers.

Cannavaro received 40 percent of the votes to finish ahead of Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Arsenal's Thierry Henry with last year's winner Ronaldinho coming fourth.

Cannavaro is only the second defender to receive the award in its 25-year history - the other being Paolo Maldini in 1994 - and he won the vote despite his former club, Juventus, being relegated and fined for its involvement in a Serie A match fixing scandal Cannavaro now has the chance to complete a hat-trick of major awards when Fifa announces its player of the year in Zurich on Monday.

Italy's World Cup winning coach, Marcello Lippi, won World Soccer's coach of the year award.

Barcelona, which won the Champions League and its second Spanish league title in a row, received the team award.

REYES EYES GUNNERS CLASH.

Jose Antonio Reyes is hoping Real Madrid meet his parent club Arsenal in Friday's Champions League draw.

Reyes, who moved to the Bernabeu in a loan-swap deal involving Julio Baptista this summer, said: "It would be beautiful game between two teams that play good football.

"I would really like it. Everyone likes to play at Arsenal's ground."

Real Madrid finished second in Group E behind Lyon, meaning they can be drawn with any of the group winners, with the exception of fellow Primera Liga side Valencia. Arsenal finished top of Group G.

It is unlikely that Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello would share Reyes' enthusiasm for a tie with the Gunners, who eliminated him and his former team Juventus last season at the quarter-final stage.

Woodgate unsure of Real future.

Jonathan Woodgate has admitted that he does not know where he will be playing his football next season, and is content to enjoy his time with Middlesbrough.

The England defender returned to the Premiership on a season-long loan from Real Madrid after an injury-plagued two-year spell in Spain.

"Honestly, I don't know what will happen," he told AS.

"All I want at the moment is to play lots of games here and help Middlesbrough earn a place in Europe.

"At the end of the season we'll have to wait and see. I am extremely happy here and I don't know if Real want me to return. My future isn't in my hands.

"I have only spoken with Real's physiotherapists, with their doctor and Becks [David Beckham]. I suppose it is normal no one else calls me."

Woodgate is pleased with how things are going for him at Middlesbrough.

"I am still a little way off being in perfect condition. But I feel better day by day," he said.

"I have a personalised training plan and every day arrive an hour before everyone else, and leave two hours after everyone.

"I am working hard to be in top shape as soon as possible, but without doubt the most important thing for me is that I am playing every week.

"I knew I had not lost my ability, but you need to get some regularity in order to demonstrate everything is good."

Match Report: Sevilia Vs Real Madrid.

First Division - Day 14

Sevilla 2 - Real Madrid 1 Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Escudé, Javi Navarro, David; Jesús Navas, Poulsen (Maresca 61'), Renato, Adriano (Antonio Puerta 72'); Kanouté, Luis Fabiano (Chevantón 64'). 4-4-2. Real Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado (Mejía 46'), Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Beckham, Emerson, Guti (Reyes 81'), Raúl; Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo (Robinho 69'). 4-4-2. Team changes: Sevilla: David, Jesús Navas, Poulsen for Dragutinovic, Martí, Antonio Puerta / Madrid: Cannavaro, Beckham, Guti, Ronaldo for Mejía, Diarra, Reyes, Robinho. Goals: 0-1. 13. Beckham. Caught Palop off line with wide free kick into far top corner. 1-1. 17. Kanouté. Following up after Luis Fabiano shot came back off crossbar. 2-1. 77. Chevantón. Spectacular overhead kick after Alves free kick headed on.

Higuain nearing move to Madrid.

River Plate's teenage striker Gonzalo Higuain could soon be joining Real Madrid.

"I'm going to Madrid to continue talks on Higuain's move to (Real) Madrid," River's treasurer Hector Grinberg told Radio Marca. River is reportedly demanding 12 million euros (C$18.3 million) for Higuain, who scored his final goal of the Argentine league season in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Velez Sarsfield.

The striker, who turned 19 the same day, was presented with a shirt signed by his River teammates, an apparent indication that he will soon be leaving the club, sports daily Marca said Tuesday.

"It's great to have the chance of playing for such an important club as Real Madrid. I am feel proud that Madrid has noticed me," Higuain told the newspaper.

Higuain, who reportedly has attracted interest from other top European clubs, last month rejected a call-up from France. The striker was born in France of Argentine parents and moved to Argentina when he was a baby.

Higuain is one of two young Argentine league players which have been targeted by Madrid. Both would be eligible to play for the Spanish club once the transfer window opens on Jan. 2.

The other is Boca Juniors' 20-year-old midfielder Fernando Gago, although negotiations have been delayed due to Boca's involvement in the Argentine title playoff against Estudiantes on Thursday.

Sevilia 2 : 1 Real Madrid.

Sevilia		Real Madrid
2		1
GOALS
Frederic Kanoute 17 Ernesto Javier Chevanton 77		David Beckham 13
YELLOW CARDS
Javi Navarro 34 Luis Fabiano 41		Michel Salgado 43 David Beckham 65 Fabio Cannavaro 90

Real Madrid Castilla 2 : 1 Salamanca.

Real Madrid Castilla		Salamanca
2		1
GOALS
Mata 53 Mata 79		Martin (pen) 23