Saturday, September 30, 2006

Beckham to sign new deal soon.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has revealed that David Beckham will sign a new contract with the club within the next three weeks.

The ex-England captain was dropped for Sunday's clash with Real Sociedad but came off the bench to score in a 2-0 victory.

After ruling out a Premiership return, because he could never face playing against former club Manchester United, a new deal at the Bernabeu seems the likeliest option for the 31-year-old.

"In the next 15 or 20 days, we will resolve it [Beckham's contract]," Calderon told City FM. "Because [coach Fabio] Capello, like the club, is extremely happy with the player."

Beckham is facing a fight for his place at club and international level and, despite his ambition to reach 100 England caps, it seems unlikely that coach Steve McClaren will recall him to the fold.

Reyes rules out Arsenal return.

Real Madrid striker Jose Reyes has shot down any chance of returning to Arsenal when his loan expires in June.

Reyes told The Sun he was overjoyed to have left the Gunners: "I'm delighted with my start and a big part of that is down to the coach because he has confidence in me. At Arsenal I wasn't happy and I didn't like being in London. It's not possible to hide that when you go on to the pitch. But here it's completely different. I'm happy, I feel comfortable in Madrid and that helps.

"When you've got players on the bench like Beckham, Robinho and Cassano all after a place, it's a big motivation to make sure you perform and stay in the team. But the fans can still see a lot more from me. I can give twice as much.

"Every game I go out there with a point to prove - and that is I want to stay. I don't want to go back to Arsenal."

Friday, September 29, 2006

Featured Player: Robson de Souza Robinho.

The Wonder boy-Robinho.


Robinho

Personal information
Full name Robson de Souza
Date of birth January 25, 1984
Place of birth São Vicente, Brazil
Height 172 cm
Nickname Robinho
Wonder Boy
The Next Pelé
Position
Left Winger
Centre Forward

Striker

Club information
Current club Real Madrid
Number 10
Youth clubs
1996-2000 Santos
Professional clubs*
Years Club Apps (goals)
2002-2005
2005-present
Santos
Real Madrid
104 (44)
45(8)
National team
2003- Brazil 37 (5)

* Professional club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of 28 August 2006.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

He previously played for Santos, helping them win two Brazilian National Championships (2002 and 2004), and in two editions of the Copa Libertadores, helping that team finish runners-up to Boca Juniors in the 2003 tournament. Robinho's contributions to Santos attracted a great deal of attention from the top European football clubs.

Ability

While Robinho is one of the smallest forwards physically, his low center of gravity plays to his strengths. Among Robinho's strengths are his attacking instincts, his sheer speed, acceleration, agility and dribbling.

As often happens with talented young Brazilians, Robinho has been compared to the great footballers Pele and Garrincha by both fans and pundits and has been hailed by them as Pele's successor in Brazilian football.

Raúl and Van Nistelrooy left out from their respective National Team.

Luis Aragonés has dropped Spain captain Raúl González from his squad for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying match against Sweden.

Vicente Rodríguez, Joaquín Sánchez and Mariano Pernía have also been excluded from the team as well as Raúl, who has been in the international set-up since 1996, during which time he has played 102 matches, scored 42 goals and never been dropped. His absence from the national side for the Sweden match on 7 October has come as a huge surprise in Spain, especially after the 29-year-old scored twice in Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against FC Dynamo Kyiv in midweek.

But three Madrid players included in the Spain National side. They are - Casillas, Reyes, Sergio Ramos.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was again left out of the Dutch squad on Friday when coach Marco van Basten named his 22 players for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Albania.

The Real Madrid striker hit out at Van Basten earlier this week, saying he had been dropped from the post-World Cup squads for reasons other than footballing ones.

Van Basten said it was not the end of Van Nistelrooy's international career.

"Now it is up to him to prove we are wrong," Van Basten told a news conference on Friday. "We spoke about it in the past and he knows how we think about him and we have heard his opinion.

"This was his reaction and his choice. It was not neat and stylish but I also have been a player and understand that this is a reaction from a disappointed player.

"However, with his experience he should not have done it like this. Unluckily for Ruud there is more competition up front than in our midfield."

Van Nistelrooy was dropped after the World Cup together with Mark Van Bommel, although the latter makes his comeback after missing three matches.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Cicinho back by March.

Real Madrid's medical team say that defender Cicinho should be back in action in March after undergoing surgery on his inured knee.

The 26-year-old damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing against Real Betis on September 23 and it was clear that he was set for a long spell on the sidelines.

Initial reports suggested that the Brazilian full-back would be out of action for the entire campaign but following an operation to correct the problem, Dr Alfonso del Corral, who carried out the procedure, reckons he will play again this season.

"The operation has been a success," he revealed. "The player is feeling high-spirited and happy. We are in no real hurry (for his return), but we expect him to be able to play again in March."

Real did not miss the South American on Tuesday, hammering Dynamo Kiev 5-1 in the Champions League.

Match Report: Real Madrid Vs Dynamo Kyiv.


The loss to Olympique Lyonnais two weeks ago is long forgotten, and Real Madrid are now in the second spot of Group E of the Champions League after blowing out Dynamo Kyiv 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Van Nistelrooy celebrated the birth of his daughter with two goals and Ronaldo enjoyed several minutes of playing time in his return to the field of play. It couldn't have been a better appetizer before Sunday's derby against Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid made their Champions League home debut with the primary objective of leaving behind the bad taste left after losing to Olympique Lyonnais in Matchday 1. And boy did they ever! There were several changes to the Madridista starting eleven. Avaro Mejía replaced Cicinho at right fullback after the Brazilian tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's League victory over Betis. Capello didn't want to toy with the Ramos-Cannavaro connection, as their presence in the middle of the defensive line is proving very fruitful for the Italian coach. The duo have allowed one goal in the first four games of national competition.


MATCH SUMMARY:
-------------------------

5- REAL MADRID:Casillas; Mejía, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Roberto Carlos; Guti, Emerson, Diarra, Reyes (Beckham, 45’); Raúl (Robinho, 84’) and Van Nistelrooy (Ronaldo, 71’).
1- DINAMO DE KIEV: Shovkovskiy; Gusev, Sabljic, Gavrancic, Nesmachniy; Diogo Rincón (Aliyev, 81’), Corrêa (Rybka, 69’), Yussuf, Belkevich; Milevskiy and Shatskikh.

GOALS:
1-0, min.19: Van Nistelrooy takes advantage of a poor clearing attempt by Shovkovskiy.
2-0, min.26: Raúl header.
3-0, min.45: Reyes.
3-1, min.47: Milevskiy.
4-1, min.60: Raúl off an individual play.
5-1, min.70: Van Nistelrooy penalty kick.

REFEREE:Graham Poll (England). Internatiional referee since 1996. Red card to Shovkovskiy.

HIGHLIGHTS: Matchday 2 of Group E of the Champions League played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Raúl, all-time top scorer of the Champions League.

Raul become the all-time top scorer of the Champions League after his two goal against yesterdays match.

Raul played very well and scored two great goals.

Congratulation to him.

Real Madrid 5-1 Dynamo Kyiv.


Real Madrid

Dynamo Kyiv
5
1
GOALS
Ruud van Nistelrooij 20
Raul Gonzalez 27
Jose Antonio Reyes 45
Raul Gonzalez 61
Ruud van Nistelrooij (pen)70

Artem Milevskiy 47
RED CARDS

Olexandr Shovkovskiy 68
YELLOW CARDS
Sergio Ramos 80

Maksim Shatskikh 66


Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Ronaldo returns for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo has received a surprise call-up to the Real Madrid squad for Tuesday night's Champions League match with Dynamo Kiev.

Ronaldo has not played since undergoing knee surgery in July and Real coach Fabio Capello said last week that he did not expect the Brazil striker to return for a fortnight.

However, the 30-year-old has been training normally with the rest of the Real squad recently and Capello has decided to draft him in for Tuesday's clash.

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is also set to be involved after attending the birth of his daughter overnight in Madrid.

Real will be looking to get their Champions League campaign up and running against Dynamo after losing their opening Group E match 2-0 against Lyon.

Successfully operated: Cicinho underwent surgery.

Cicinho's operation was completed successfully. The medical team led by Real Madrid's repaired and reconstructed the anterior cruciate ligament injuries suffered by the Brazilian right fullback on his right knee. “We expect him to play again sometime in March,” stated Doctor Del Corral.


Cicinho was admitted to the surgery room at 4 pm CET. One and a half hours later, Doctor Del Corral was attending the media, reading out the medical report and answering their questions.

The head of Real Madrid's Medical Services expressed it in these terms, “The operation has been a success. The player is feeling high-spirited and happy.” Regarding the recovery period, the doctor specified, “We are in no real hurry, but we expect him to be able to play again in March.”

Finally, the player has expressed that he would like to go back home to Sao Paulo for a portion of the recovery period. Del Corral thinks this will entail no problems whatsoever, explaining, “We will talk it over. I think we can break it up between Spain and Brazil.”

MEDICAL REPORT:
Patient Mr. Cicero Joao de Cesare underwent a surgical procedure on 26-9-2006 at Madrid's Ruber Internacional Hospital performed by Dr. Del Corral and his team, who repaired the torn anterior cruciate ligament of the player's right knee, an injury sustained during the League match played on 23-9-2006.

The surgery effectively repaired the ligament. There have been no complications during the intervention and the post-operative, so far.

He will be discharged approximately 24 hours after the operation and is set for a 5 to 6 month recovery period.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Teamsheet for match against DYNAMO KIEV.

There was a surprise on Fabio Capello's squad list for Tuesday's Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev. Although Míchel Salgado began Monday's training session with his teammates without any apparent problems, the right fullback felt the effects of his injured left knee and was left off the teamsheet for the fourth straight game. The good news is that Beckham has recovered from tonsilitis and is among the 18 listed players.

REAL MADRID-DYNAMO KIEV TEAMSHEET:

  • Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López.
  • Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos, Raúl Bravo, Mejía, Pavón.
  • Midfielders: Diarra, Emerson, Javi García, Beckham, Guti, Reyes.
  • Forwards: Cassano, Raúl and Van Nistelrooy, Robinho.

  • My Team:
    --------------

    Casillas (GK)
    Raúl Bravo (RWB)
    Sergio Ramos (CB)
    Cannavaro (CB)
    Roberto Carlos (LWB)
    Beckham (RWM)
    Diarra (CDM)
    Rayes (LWM)
    Guti (CAM)
    Van Nistelrooy (RS)
    Robinho (LS)

    Preview: Real Madrid Vs Dynamo Kiev.

    Real Madrid will be without right-back Cicinho as they look to get their Champions League campaign back on track at home to Dynamo Kiev.

    The Brazilian international damaged knee ligaments during Real's 1-0 win away to Real Betis and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

    The good news for coach Fabio Capello is that David Beckham and Michel Salgado both took part in training on Monday, with Beckham fit to start should Capello pick him.

    The former England captain missed training on Sunday due through illness but was fine on Monday, while Salgado is returning from a knee injury and is not 100% fit, so Capello has left him out of the 18-man squad.

    Striker Ronaldo is on his way back from knee surgery but is still at least a week away from a first-team return.

    Meanwhile Dynamo will be without Ukraine international Ruslan Rotan after the hard-tackling midfielder underwent ankle surgery.

    Coach Anatoli Demianenko's side will be hoping to take something away from the Bernabeu after losing their opening game 4-1 at home to Steaua Bucharest.

    Real Madrid may sign replacement for injured Cicinho.

    Real Madrid suggested that it might sign a replacement for injured right-back Cicinho.

    "We will study the possibility of signing a replacement in the next few days," said sporting director Pedja Mijatovic Sunday night.

    Spanish federation rules permit a team to bring in cover for a player who has suffered long-term injury at any time during the season.

    Cicinho tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee in Real's 1-0 win Saturday at Betis. He will be operated upon this week and will be out of action for around six months.

    Victory over Dynamo essential for Real - Capello.

    Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello said on Monday it is essential his side take all three points from the visit of Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Tuesday.

    Having lost their opening game 2-0 against Olympique Lyon two weeks ago Real are third in Group E behind the French side and Steaua Bucharest.

    'Dynamo are a dangerous side away from home. They are good on the counter with some very quick players, and effective in the air from corners,' Capello told a news conference.

    'It is a very important game. It is fundamental for us. Victories bring confidence and this is vital.'

    Although Real are only kept off the top of the Primera Liga table by goal difference from Barcelona, they have been criticised for their conservative football this season.

    A disciplined if dull 1-0 away win over Real Betis on Saturday made it four outings unbeaten in the league.

    But Capello repeated his opinion that the team he has put together need to be given time to adapt.

    'It is a new team and the players are happy, motivated and working well,' he said.

    'What we have achieved so far in four games in the league is good. It was just the Lyon game where we were poor in defence.

    'It isn't possible to perform miracles in two months. Barcelona have had three years playing together and Valencia (third in the league) have also had more time than us.'

    Numancia 0-1 Real Madrid Castilla.

    Numancia
    Real Madrid Castilla
    0
    1
    GOALS

    Mata 17

    Cicinho hit with serious knee injury.

    Real Madrid right back Cicinho ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

    Madrid gave no details of his expected recovery time, but news reports Sunday said Cicinho is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months.

    The Brazil international will undergo surgery on Monday, the club said.

    Cicinho was injured when he twisted his knee after being hit by the ball in the 29th minute of Madrid's 1-0 league win over Real Betis on Saturday.

    Cicinho's absence will allow Madrid to sign a replacement even though the transfer window closed last month. FIFA rules permit long-term injured players to be replaced.

    Madrid signed Cicinho from Sao Paulo in January 2006 for a fee of €6 million (US$7.7 million) after he helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup the previous year.

    The 26-year-old defender will miss his first match on Tuesday, when Madrid hosts Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.

    Madrid also gave medical details about David Beckham and Roberto Carlos.

    Beckham, who has been on the bench for Madrid's last two games, has tonsillitis and has been advised to rest. Roberto Carlos' left sinus has been stitched after he was elbowed in the face by Betis defender Juanito Gutierrez in Saturday's game.

    Roberto Carlos makes 500th appearance for Real Madrid.

    Brazilian fullback Roberto Carlos made his 500th official appearance for Real Madrid in their Primera Liga game at Real Betis on Saturday.

    The 33-year-old joined Real from Inter Milan during Fabio Capello's first spell as coach in 1996. He has played over 350 league games for Real and helped them win three league titles and three European Cups.

    He won the World Cup in 2002, but quit international soccer following Brazil's 1-0 quarter-final defeat by France at this year's tournament in Germany in which he was widely blamed for failing to mark goalscorer Thierry Henry.

    The left back hinted at a possible move away from Real during the close season, saying he had received an offer from English champions Chelsea, but he finally decided to remain at the club until the end of the current campaign.

    Match Report: Real Betis Vs Real Madrid.

    A goal by Mahamadou Diarra, his first donning the White shirt, secured the three points for his team in a new demonstration of collective commitment. The Malian international, Guti and Reyes were the most outstanding players. In spite of the push and shove of Betis, Real Madrid's defensive soundness was once again patent and praiseworhty. This win allows Real Madrid to climb to the top of the League table provisionally.

    MATCH REPORT:
    -----------------------

    REAL BETIS: Doblas; Melli, Juanito, Nano, Romero; Maldonado (Odonkor, 75’), Vogel (Capi, 61’), Rivera, Wagner (Xisco, 46’); Edu and Sobis.
    REAL MADRID: Iker Casillas; Cicinho (Raúl Bravo, 30’), Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Diarra; Reyes (Beckham, 64’), Guti, Cassano (Raúl, 62’); Van Nistelrooy.
    REFEREE: Iturralde González, Basque Commitee. Yellow cards for Cassano (26’), Melli (31’), Emerson (34’), Beckham (65’), Sergio Ramos (85’), Guti (89’), Van Nistelrooy (91’), Raúl Bravo (94') and Odonkor (96’). Direct red card for Nano (95’).

    GOALS:
    0-1. Min. 6. Diarra heads in a perfect service by Cicinho from the right wing.

    HIGHLIGHTS: Fourth day of the Spanish 2006-07 League championship. Mtach played at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium. A few seats short of full house.

    DIARRA HEADER ENOUGH FOR MADRID.

    Real Madrid claimed their third win of the Primera Liga season on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 victory at Real Betis.

    In a game of few decent goalscoring opportunities, Mahamadou Diarra's header after seven minutes settled the contest in favour of Fabio Capello's men.

    The win lifts Madrid to the top of the standings ahead of Sunday's clashes, while defeat ends a miserable week for Betis which began with a derby loss to Sevilla.

    Sunday, September 24, 2006

    Real Betis 0-1 Real Madrid.

    Real Betis
    Real Madrid
    0
    1
    GOALS

    Mahamadou Diarra 7
    RED CARDS
    Nano 90

    YELLOW CARDS
    Melli 32

    Antonio Cassano 26
    Emerson 35
    David Beckham 69
    Sergio Ramos 83
    Guti 88
    Ruud van Nistelrooij 90

    Saturday, September 23, 2006

    Calderon voices Becks hope.

    Ramon Calderon expects David Beckham to finish his career at Real Madrid and believes the midfielder is still a key player for the club.

    The Spanish giants are hoping to conclude negotiations over a new contract for the former England captain in the coming weeks.

    Real are keen to retain the ex-Manchester United ace for a further three years and Beckham appears happy to stay at the Bernabeu.

    Calderon outlined the 31-year-old's importance to the club and is confident Beckham will conclude his glittering career in the Spanish capital.

    "He's very important for us," the Real president told Sky Sports News.

    "Perhaps he has been one of the best players we have had in the last 15, 20 years.

    "He's very important for us, not only from a commercial point of view, but also on the pitch.

    "He is one of the best players in the world, no doubt about that.

    "The idea is to sign a new contract for two or three years and that's the end.

    "He said he wants to finish his career in three years' time and that will be perfect for us."

    Beckham started Real's last Primera Liga game against Real Sociedad on the bench before coming on to score a late goal.

    Calderon feels the midfielder will continue to prove his worth for Real and will remain a key pawn in coach Fabio Capello's plans.

    He added: "The last one he was on the bench for the first half and Capello has said that not all of them can play.

    "With 22 players it is impossible for all of them to play every match.

    "I have been talking about that with Capello and he agrees that Beckham is one of the most important players with Real Madrid."

    Preview: Real Betis - Real Madrid.

    Every encounter that Real Madrid play is watched with great interest as the club continue to battle their way back to the top, but the anticipation grows even stronger when they face a side that could set their recovery back again.

    Great Expectations

    Last season was poor by both Betis' and Madrid's standards and the two clubs have both spent the summer rebuilding their squads under new coaches and new presidents. So high are the expectations at El Bernabéu that despite finishing in second place last term the fact that the team had failed to truly challenge for any silverware meant that wholesale changes were called for.

    The final few weeks of the campaign were played out as people waited for the presidential elections to come and ensure that a new approach was brought to running the club after almost six years under Florentino Pérez. A third consecutive season without a major honour was made all the more painful by Madrid's uninpsiring displays as they chalked up victories with little of the flair and creativity that the fans crave.

    The fact that arch rivals FC Barcelona were marching towards the league title and the Champions League playing a brand of football that was winning plaudits across the world was rubbing salt into already painful wounds.


    Looking On

    It was on no lesser scale that Betis had to endure a torrid season of watching their bitter rivals Sevilla push for a place in the top four and win the UEFA Cup, while los verdiblancos struggled to ensure that they remained in the top flight for the majority of the season.

    The year before the two clubs had fought tooth and nail until the final day of the season to win a place in the Champions League, a battle which Betis won before piling on the agony for Sevilla by winning the Copa del Rey. Instead of building on that though the coach last summer, Llorenç Serra Ferrer, complained that he had asked for four big names and was presented with four relative unknowns to bolster the squad.

    It was no surprise that the club's first venture in European Cup saw just one peak as the team defeated Chelsea at home before exiting the competition at the first hurdle. Injuries blighted the squad and the lack of strength up front was clearly evident as goals became harder and harder to come by.

    Wind Of Change

    Change was clearly needed at both Betis and Madrid and it arrived during the summer as former Deportivo coach Javier Irureta was ushered in after year out of the game while Fabio Capello was seen as the saviour as he returned to Madrid for a second stint.

    At the top level José Léon Gómez replaced Manuel Ruiz de Lopera as Betis president with the latter proclaiming: "Those who wished me dead can be happy now. Manuel Ruiz de Lopera is leaving - the president who has done the most for this club." The change may be somewhat symbollic as Ruiz de Lopera still holds a lot of sway at Betis, but his exit from the top post brought one dramatic change.

    After several years of rumours and counter-rumours Betis finally agreed to sell local hero Joaquín, to Valencia. The iconic winger did not enjoy last season at the club and was going stale as the weight of lifting the team finally became too much to bear. The Ricardo Oliveira-saga also came to a head as he returned late from recovering from injury in Brazil and was immediately shipped off to AC Milan, a deal which suited both Betis and the player.

    Annual Parade

    In the Spanish capital a return to the top was the one and only priority of both the new president and coach. Despite the Galáctico tag being a thing of the past, the annual parade of new and expensive faces was in evidence as Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Mahamadou Diarra, Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson all arrived, while several players that Capello did not fancy were either sold or allowed to leave on loan.

    Despite the desire for immediate results it is testament to Capello's standing that the majority of Madrid's supporters understand that he needs time to build a squad capable of performing to the level required to truly challenge for the title.

    The Italian boss wanted to ensure that tiredness would not become a big issue as he ordered a long stay in Austria for pre-season rather than a jet-set tour across the globe to earn the club millions, as had happened in previous seasons. Despite that, following the start of the new campaign the fatigue card has still been played when performances have been met with sharp criticism.

    A Fresh Start

    Betis may have lost both their away games this season and have just one victory from the opening three matches, but the signs are promising. Defeat against Valencia was followed by an inspiring win at home against Athletic Bilbao, before they matched their cross-city rivals Sevilla last weekend in the derby and lost by just one goal in five. Joaquín's exit may benefit the club in the long-run as the club and fans no longer focus on a single player to produce the goods and have, instead, discovered new heroes such as Rafael Sobis and Tati Maldonado.

    For Madrid, the team is made up of heroes with the squad appearing to have no weak link on paper. The problem in the opening weeks has been about the manner in which the seven points that have won have been garnered. After being heavily criticised for drawing at home to Villarreal on the opening day, the hefty win at Levante was almost expected.

    Fear set in for a few days as the defeat against Lyon in the Champions League indicated that little had changed from last season, but Capello and the players all pleaded to be given time. Real Sociedad were beaten last weekend, but the visitors lack of fight coupled with Madrid's lack of imagination led the home to be booed off at half-time.

    Point To Prove

    This weekend both Betis and Madrid have something to prove. The team that takes all three points will be able to point to the summer plans slowly falling to place and the victorious coach will, no doubt, see morale boosted among his players. For the losing side, the pressure could begin to grow despite being only the fourth game of the season. Expectations are high at both clubs and this game sees two teams meet that are desperate to put the past behind them and show the world that they are back by winning this encounter. The stakes are high and both clubs know it.

    TEAM NEWS

    Real Betis: After being doubtful for the encounter all week, midfielder Alberto Rivera has assured Irureta that he will be fit to play after recovering from a knee injury. Two major doubts are Dani and Marcos Assunçao, who have both spent the week training away from the squad, while Arzu, David Rivas and Damià Abella are all definite absentees.

    Real Madrid: Capello has revealed that he will rotate his squad for the trip to Betis, but has refused to state who will come in and who will be rested. The good news for the visitors is that Roberto Carlos and Raúl have been passed fit for the game. Ronaldo will not be named in the squad despite progressing well as he finally recovers from the knee injury he suffered in July, while Michel Salgado is also close to a return but will probably not be risked for this game.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH

    Real Betis: Edu, Rafael Sobis

    The Brazilian duo are beginning to find a real understanding and could cause Madrid real problems. While Edu is a fixture at Betis, Sobis is becoming a fans favourite and his two goals in the local derby against Sevilla last weekend will have sent out a signal that he has already adapted to life in the Spanish League.

    Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos, José Antonio Reyes

    The former Sevilla duo have been the centre of attention in the media all week as they return to their native city. Both players know that they will receive a hostile welcome, but having already played against Betis in the all white of Sevilla they will be prepared for the barrage of abuse from the stands.

    Teamsheet for match against Real Betis.

    Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello has made public the names of the 19 players who will travel to Seville for Saturday's match against Betis. The Madridista expedition will meet at the Santiago Bernabéu at 6 pm CET before making their way to Madrid's Atocha Train Station to catch their ride to the Andalusian city. The team's next training session will take place on Sunday at 12 pm at Real Madrid City.



    TEAMSHEET:
    -------------------

  • Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López, Kiko Casilla.
  • Defenders: Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Raúl Bravo, Pavón, Mejía.
  • Midfielders: Diarra, Emerson, Cicinho, Guti, Reyes, Beckham.
  • Forwards: Raúl, Robinho, Van Nistelrooy, Cassano.
    Not called up: Helguera (coaching decision), Salgado and Ronaldo (injured).


  • My Team:
    ------------
    Casillas (GK)
    Cicinho (RWB)
    Cannavaro (CB)
    Sergio Ramos (CB)
    Roberto Carlos (LWB)
    Beckham (RWM)
    Diarra (CDM)
    Rayes (LWM)
    Guti (CAM)
    Van Nistelrooy (RS)
    Robinho (LS)

    Real Madrid lead La Liga in sportsmanlike play.

    According to the Spanish FA's ranking system, Real Madrid lead the First Division in Fair Play. With the first three matchdays of the First Division over, Real Madrid lead the ranking with four points. Barcelona and Recreativo fall in the second spot with five points, while Celta, Osasuna and Gimnastic are third with six points.

    FIRST DIVISION
    1. Real Madrid 4 points
    2. Barcelona, Recreativo 5
    4. Celta, Osasuna, Gimnastic 6
    7. Mallorca, Sevilla, Betis 7
    10. Deportivo 8
    11. Villarreal 9
    12. Getafe 10
    13. Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Espanyol 12
    16. At. Madrid 13
    17. Racing 15
    18. Real Sociedad, Levante 17
    20. Zaragoza 19

    Thursday, September 21, 2006

    Capello: Ronaldo will get 30 goals for Real Madrid.

    Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello is backing Ronaldo to deliver on his promise of scoring 30 goals this season.

    There has been speculation Capello doesn't see eye-to-eye with the Brazilian, but he insisted last night: "Ronaldo is the number one in the world, he is impressive.

    "It is important we recover his best. He has said that he is going to score 30 goals and I have total confidence he is going to do it."

    Asked about the boos from the home crowd during Sunday's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad, Capello said: "The public can applaud or boo. It's their right because they pay.

    "The fans are always upset with one player. Before it was Raul, always with Raul, now with Emerson. I cannot let myself be guided by the opinion of others."

    Guti set for new contract.

    Real Madrid have reportedy reached a verbal agreement with Guti to extend his contract at the Bernabeu.

    The blond-haired midfielder signed a new five-year deal in 2003 and seems happy to spend his entire career with the capital club.

    "If he wants, he will retire from football with us," commented president Ramon Calderon.

    It is believed that discussions have taken place regarding fresh terms that will run until 2010, granting Guti a two-year extension.

    Coach Fabio Capello suggested recently that he rates the player higher than his fellow Spain internationals Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas.

    Wednesday, September 20, 2006

    Cannavaro favours replays to spot diving.

    Fabio Cannavaro, the man who held the world's most coveted sporting trophy when Italy won the World Cup in Germany two months ago, said he was overwhelmed by UAE's hospitality on Monday.

    Cannavaro, the 33-year-old skipper of Italy, was on a lightning visit to the capital to grace the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup draw and said it was the first time in his career that he was experiencing such an event.

    "I was nicely surprised with what little I have seen of the Arab world and, more importantly, I am pleased with their kind and friendly nature," he said.

    Cannavaro, who treated questions from the media here with the same cool and calmness with which he has handled some of the top strikers in the world, said he was in favour of TV replays to decide cases of diving.

    Replying to a question from Gulf News, the Italian and Real Madrid central defender said:, "Yes it is a problem as defenders find it difficult with some of the forwards resorting to professional 'diving' inside the box.

    "I am for taking help from TV footage, but the only problem is this should be limited to very few selected moments. Otherwise the game will be affected with many appeals. It should be selective or should not be used at all," Cannavaro said.

    Recalling those treasured moments when he lifted the World Cup, Cannavaro said: "It was one of our greatest accomplishments. It was a great performance and we did it due the efforts of our entire team," he said.

    The short-statured Italian defender picked Brazil's Ronaldo as the most difficult forward to play against.

    "That is why I signed for Real Madrid this season," he said in lighter vein.

    Cannavaro said he would not mind coming to play in the region. "I would like to play anywhere. All I am interested is to respect my contract and do my best," said Cannavaro, who recently signed for Real Madrid.

    Commenting on his experience in the Spanish league, Cannavaro said he did not find much difference between the Italian and Spanish Leagues.

    "All leagues are difficult and the level is more or less the same," he said.

    On the status of football in the region, Cannavaro said he has seen the Arab teams play in the World Cup and felt they were improving.

    "It is possible for an African or Arab team to win the World Cup. With players from the regions playing in many other parts of the world, it is not difficult," he said.

    "Raul should be benched."

    According to readers of Spanish sportspaper Marca, Raul should be left out of Real Madrid's starting line-up.

    The striker has been receiving competition from strikers as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jose Antonio Reyes, and the imminent return of Ronaldo might leave the Spaniard benched.

    Sixty percent of the voters, 29,000 in total, would like for coach Fabio Capello to leave Raul on the bench for the coming matches.



    COMMENTS:
    ----------------

    I think Raul is a great player and there is no doubt about it. But sometime luck will not favour you and sometime time will not be good for you. Just this is happened with Raul. I think he need some time to regain him and become the original RAUL. And I think leave him on the bench and practice with the team will be good for him. I hope he will soon get back his form back soon and will be back for the Real Madrid starting line-up. Wishing him very best luck.

    Tuesday, September 19, 2006

    The world's best left back reaches an impressive milestone.

    Roberto Carlos has defended the Real Madrid shirt for eleven years. For over a decade, the Brazilian, who has been an unquestionable starter for the all the managers who have coached the team, has broken records and achieved some important milestones. The last was reached last night against Real Sociedad, as Roberto Carlos played his 350 League match in White. Congratulations Roberto.


    When Fabio Capello began his first stint as the coach of Real Madrid in 1996, he asked to sign who he considered to be one of the best left backs in the world. With the passing of time, and especially matches and triumphs, Roberto Carlos was dubbed the King of the left wing, while the football world yielded to his unstoppable fee kicks and his innate power.

    He became an unquestionable fixture during the very first match of the League that Real Madrid would go on to win. On 31 August 1996, the Whites faced Deportivo Coruña at the Riazor Stadium. The match ended 1-1, and guess who scored the Madridista's goal to draw the game? Well, it was Roberto Carlos. The Brazilian could not have imagined a better La Liga debut. He played in 37 games and scored five times that season. Thus, the unstoppable career in Spain of who is today considered one of the world's best left backs in the world was underway.

    Ten years later, the same figures are again under the same roof. Fabio Capello, who returned to the Madridista bench this year, witnessed the fast 33 year old footballer play his 350 League match against Real Sociedad.

    Roberto Carlos has been donning the White shirt for 11 seasons, including this one. In over a decade, the Brazilian has tallied 350 matches, 30,821 minutes, and 43 goals in the First Division. His goal total, the majority of which is due to his famous free kicks that so often scare the rival defence and goalkeeper, is more than outstanding for a defender.

    Roberto Carlos has played against all the teams that have played in the First Division over the last ten years. Deportivo Coruña, who he made his Spanish League debut against, have faced Roberto's wrath 20 times, more than any other side. The next rival on the list is Real Sociedad, who he has come across 19 times. The Brazilian defender has played against Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, Betis, and Valencia on 18 occasions each. In terms of goals, Roberto Carlos seems to have found his goal-scoring touch against Zaragoza, Celta, Mallorca, and Betis. He has scored four goals against each of these teams.

    SEASON
    MATCHES
    MINUTES
    GOALS
    1996-97
    37
    3,330
    5
    1997-98
    35
    3,131
    4
    1998-99
    35
    3,065
    5
    1999-00
    35
    3,062
    4
    2000-01
    36
    3,063
    5
    2001-02
    31
    2,729
    2
    2002-03
    37
    3,311
    5
    2003-04
    32
    2,842
    5
    2004-05
    34
    3,001
    3
    2005-06
    35
    3,062
    5
    2006-07
    3
    270
    -
    TOTAL
    350
    30,821
    43

    Reyes to As: "My debut was exactly how I dreamt it would be."

    José Antonio Reyes is glowing with confidence following Sunday's match against Real Sociedad. The next League match against Betis cannot come soon enough for the Seville native, who is looking forward to continuing his good patch. “It's will be a very special match. I am returning home,” said Reyes. However, he did state that he is “happy in Madrid” and that he and Robinho will “electrify” the Bernabéu crowd. In an interview published by Spanish sports daily As, Reyes has no limits, declaring, “The farther you get, the better it is for you and your team.”

    I suppose your Santiago Bernabéu debut on Sunday was exactly how you dreamt it would be: a great game, an important goal, and the whole stadium chanting your name.
    Absolutely. On Sunday I had the debut every footballer dreams of. Any player would have liked to have the première I had. It was important as it gave me a lot of confidence.

    I was told you took your shirt home.
    That's true. Of course I did (laughs). I kept the shirt I wore in my first match against Levante, so of course I kept the shirt I was wearing when I scored my first goal against Real.

    You are going to end up setting up a store at the Bernabéu.
    I am (laughs). I am going to have to with all the shirts I am taking.

    What went through your mind when you scored the free kick and the entire Bernabéu started chanting your name?
    It was amazing when the Bernabéu chanted my name, but it's so hard to explain. Honestly, words cannot explain it.

    What did your parents say to you after the match? I am sure they bombarded you with kisses.
    They did. They kissed me a lot. I think they might have been even happier than I was.

    I saw how you spent several minutes signing autographs when all the fans stopped your car and surrounded it when you were leaving the Bernabéu. You have become a Madridismo icon in only three League matches.
    People are treating me so well and I feel all the fans' affection. Several fans had waited for me to leave the stadium so they could ask for an autograph, and I had no problem doing it. I also asked my favourite footballers for autographs when I was young.

    Of all the congratulations you received in the dressing room, which was the most special?
    Well, I'd stick with all the congratulations from my teammates, because they are all so important to me. But, I think I'll alwayts remember Sergio Ramos' because he's the player I have the closest bond with.

    What did Sergio Ramos tell you? I am sure it was something funny coming from him.
    Nothing really. He was really happy that I scored a goal in my Madrid debut.

    Who do you dedicate that goal to?
    I dedicate it to my grandfather. May he rest in peace. Who knows, maybe it's because of him that something like this happened.

    Was your grandfather the main reason you have gotten to where you are today?
    Definitely. My family is very important to me, by my grandfather Miguel played a decisive role in my life. He helped me in many aspects of my career and was a very important person to me.

    I think Beckham might get upset because I think Madrid's right wing has a new owner, and that would be José Antonio Reyes.
    I'm not sure. You have to ask the coach that question. David is a skilled player, we all know him, and I'm not going to fight with anyone. The coach has the final say, so we have to battle it out during every training session.

    You played along the right wing against Real Sociedad. Where would you really like to play?
    I don't think you should get an answer if you ask a Real Madrid player about his natural position, because it really doesn't matter where you play. Playing is all that matters. I don't mind playing on the left or right, or as an attacking midfielder or forward.

    Capello is going to have a tough time benching you during the next game after your performance against Real
    Well, if everything goes well, God willing, it is easier if he continues counting on me for the future.

    Real Madrid face Betis at the Ruiz de Lopera Stadium on Saturday. I'm sure you are dying to play in that match.
    Of course. The game against Betis is so important to me. I'm returning to Sevilla, my home, to play against Betis. Everyone knows it's a very special game for me.

    If I'm not mistaken, you are returning to a city where all the Sevilla fans still love you.
    Sevilla supporters still love me, and I still love them.

    Have you already overcome the torment of living in London? Are you truly happy playing for Madrid?
    I am happy as a Real Madrid player and person. I am very happy here.

    Capello praised you several times during the press conference following the Real game. It was strange hearing the Italian coach talking about a footballer like he did about you. He defined you as "A great player whose potential we were already aware of when we signed him."
    I am proud that a coach like Capello speaks about me like that. I personally didn't hear him, but I am very grateful.

    How many congratulations did you get after the Real game?
    A lot. I didn't count, but I got so many, and I am equally grateful for each.

    Did you know it was a goal as soon as you struck the football?
    Some say they know it, but all you really know is that you struck it well. You also have to think that the keeper might stop it. In fact, Riesgo almost stopped my shot. Like I said, many things can stop a ball that you think is going into the back of the net, but what's important is that it was a goal and it gave us the lead.

    I can see Madrid with Reyes on one wing and Robinho on the other. Toegther the two of you would create quite a stir. And, that's what the Bernabéu wants.
    With his talent, Robinho can contribute a lot along the wing. I am sure that Robinho and I will play a lot together and we hope to electrify the crowd.

    You were the best part of the Real match, and Emerson, who received more whistles than I have ever heard in the third matchday, took the brunt of it.
    The Bernabéu did whistle at Emerson when he was substituted, but he is a veteran, so I am sure it didn't bother him too much.

    What can be the crowing glory for you with this Real Madrid? Many football experts think you still have a lot of untapped potential.
    I don't know. I hope to get as far as I can with Real Madrid. I don't think there are any limits. The farther you get, the better it is for you and your team.

    The team is more or less formed, but I am sure you are all ready for Ronaldo to return.
    Ronaldo is obviously an important piece of this Club. We all want him to recover soon. His goals are very important for us and the Club.

    Real Madrid's Capello snaps over Beckham questions.


    Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello defended his decision to start David Beckham on the bench for yesterday's defeat of Real Sociedad.

    Becks struck Real's second goal in the 2-0 win in the second-half and while Capello damned him with faint praise, the Italian did admit the hosts improved after the break.

    "In the second-half we played with a different desire," said Capello. "There was more movement off the ball. That's how football works, you cannot always play with the ball at your feet."

    Asked about his decision to bench Becks, Capello barked: "It's not possible to select 12."

    Jose Reyes also struck his first goal in a Real shirt and the coach added: "He hasn't done anything to win a starting position. We have a squad and every player is equally as important. Reyes has quality and I am happy to have him here."

    Asked about the booing of Emerson, Capello snapped: "They (the Real fans) can boo who they want. Emerson is a great player and has shown this. The media criticised Raul and today he played a great game. Emerson will do the same."

    Match Report: Real Madrid Vs Real Sociedad.

    Real Madrid won their second consecutive League match on Sunday, and it was also their first victory of the 2006/07 season at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The Whites took care of business against an organised Real Sociedad thanks to thirty minutes of great football in the second half, including a great free kick goal by Reyes and another by Beckham in injury time. The Seville native was by far the Man-of-the-Match. The Madridistas are now fourth in the table and have allowed only one goal.

    Real Madrid made their return to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with two changes to the starting eleven. Coach Fabio Capello had warned before the match that he was thinking of making some modifications, and he followed through on his word by playing Reyes and Guti instead of Beckham and Cassano, respectively. And it was precisely the Sevillian, the last Madridista to be signed over summer, who began the game in high gear with various dangerous attacks along the right wing and by taking every free kick and corner kick. Ramos came close to beating goalkeeper Riesgo with a header in the opening minute of the match, and Raúl also had a chance seven minutes later.

    But Real Sociedad had come to play their game from the initial blow of the whistle. While playing in the same 4-2-3-1 formation as Real Madrid, Jose Mari Bakero’s men looked to slow down the clash by fouling often and trying to take advantage of free kicks. Such was the case 19 minutes in, when Gari had a try on Iker Casillas, who cleared the football with his fists. Casillas was also tested by a De Cerio header in the 26th minute. Real Madrid maintained ball possession and had every intention of sealing the win as soon as possible, but they were unable to move the ball upfield quick enough and had few obvious scoring opportunities. The Whites could not find a clear path to the rival’s net despite the cross-pitch passes by Reyes and Guti, and Guti’s efforts to feed the ball to the attack. There was no urgency in defence, but they weren’t able to frustrate the rival defence either.


    MATCH SUMMARY:
    ------------------------------

    2 – REAL MADRID: Casillas; Cicinho, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Roberto Carlos (Raúl Bravo 45’); Reyes (Beckham 74’), Diarra, Emerson (Robinho 59’), Raúl; Reyes and Van Nistelrooy .
    0 – REAL SOCIEDAD Riesgo; Gerardo (Garitazo 50’), Rivas, Juanito, Labaka; Aramburu, Aitor, Gari (Felicio 71`), Garrido: De Cerio (Kovacevic 49’) and Prieto.

    GOALS:
    1-0, min. 68: Reyes free kick.
    2-0, min. 92: Beckham one-on-one with Riesgo.

    REFEREE: Muñiz Fernández (Asturian school). Yellow cards to Gerardo, De Cerio, and Beckham. Direct red to Aramburu.

    Matchday 3 of the Spanish League played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

    Goal gives Reyes perfect Bernabeu debut.


    Spain winger Jose Antonio Reyes said scoring on his home debut for Real Madrid in the 2-0 defeat of Real Sociedad on Sunday ranks as one of the happiest moments of his life. 'I couldn't have asked for more,' Reyes told Real Madrid's Web site on Monday. 'I made my debut at the Bernabeu, I scored a goal and the team won the game. It was one of the happiest days of my life.' The 23-year-old, who had been included in the starting line-up at the expense of David Beckham, set his side on the way to victory with a perfectly struck free kick that arched over the wall and dipped into the corner beyond the reach of Sociedad keeper Asier Riesgo in the 69th minute. Reyes, who joined Real on loan from Arsenal on the final day of the transfer window at the end of last month, was one of the Real players to impress in a poor first-half display, but he was replaced by Beckham just four minutes after his goal. Beckham made it 2-0 in injury time when he broke clear from inside his own half after 10-man Sociedad had thrown everyone forward in search of an equaliser. Reyes admitted that Real had not given a convincing performance in front of their home crowd, but said the important thing was to get points under their belts in the early matches of the season. 'Sociedad came to play with 11 players at the back and it's always difficult to play against teams like that,' he said. 'Any team that comes to the Bernabeu thinks a draw is a good result and that makes it very difficult. 'But we have to look at the positive side of the game. We won and the team showed character.' Reyes, who made his name at Sevilla before joining Arsenal in January 2004, said he could hardly wait for Real's next match away to the Andalucian club's city rivals Real Betis on Saturday. 'I'm really looking forward to that match and if we approach it in a determined mood then we will win,' he said. Real are fourth in the Primera Liga, two points behind Sevilla, Barcelona and Valencia who are the only sides left in the division with 100 percent records after three games. Barcelona, who have made their best start to the season since 1999, host Valencia at the Nou Camp next Saturday.

    Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad.

    Real Madrid

    Real Sociedad
    2
    0
    GOALS
    Jose Antonio Reyes 69
    David Beckham 90

    RED CARDS

    Mikel Aranburu 74
    YELLOW CARDS
    David Beckham 80

    Gerardo 28
    Inigo De Cerio 41
    Juanito 69