Cassano going nowhere - agent.

Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano will not be leaving the Spanish capital according to his agent, despite rumours to the contrary.

The former Roma marksman is thought to have fallen out with coach Fabio Capello, prompting the Spaniards' sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic to suggest in an interview that Real were ready to let the 24-year-old make a move back to Italy.

But the player's agent has hit back, saying his client is going nowhere and will honour the remainder of his contract at the Bernabeu.

"Cassano will leave Real Madrid? Absolutely not," Giuseppe Bozzo said. "I heard Mijatovic's interview, but I don't think it was meant to be controversial.

"He knows that Antonio does not want to move from Madrid and I also confirmed this to him personally. Antonio will remain until the end of his contract in 2011.

"We are at Real Madrid, the strongest side in the world, there is an existing contract in place and a new cycle is starting. Could you ever leave now? No way."

Report: Gago awaiting Real transfer.

Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago has agreed to personal terms with Real Madrid and is waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement on his transfer.

Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic has asked Gago's agent, Marcelo Lombilla, to press Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri to allow the player to move during January's transfer window, sports daily As said Thursday.

Macri, who is reportedly asking for $34.2 million for the 20-year-old midfielder, wants him to remain until June so he can play in the Copa Libertadores.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon hopes to complete Gago's transfer before the club's general assembly on Sunday.

Calderon is said to believe the Argentine's arrival would help him resist calls for new elections from members annoyed by the freezing of postal votes in the July poll.

However, Macri ruled out the imminent transfer of Gago, who has been compared with former Argentina midfielder Fernando Redondo, who won the Champions League in 1998 and 2000 with Madrid.

"It's impossible for Madrid to present Gago on Sunday or announce his signing because there is no deal between the clubs," Macri told Radio La Red.

Madrid recently signed 18-year-old left back Marcelo from Fluminense, and is said to be aiming to sign another teenager, River Plate striker.

Real confident Beckham will stay in Madrid.

REAL Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic is confident that the club's serious challenge for honors this season will convince David Beckham to stay on in Spain.

The former England captain has not won a major trophy with Real since moving from Manchester United in 2003, as the club suffered a downturn in fortunes.

"He hasn't had much luck in the last three years because when he arrived at Real he thought he was going to win many trophies," Mijatovic said in an interview with Serbian radio station B-92 and the BBC.

"Now the situation is different and I think he is conscious of this."

With a new team of president Ramon Calderon and coach Fabio Capello installed, Real is looking a much stronger proposition this season. It is third in the Primera Liga, three points behind leader Barcelona, and still in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

The main stumbling block to Beckham signing a contract extension is the fact that the 31-year-old has dropped out of favor with Capello. He has started only three out of 12 league games this season. "As far as I am aware, Beckham is happy here in Madrid. At the moment he isn't in the starting lineup but that's not to say that the situation won't have changed in a couple of weeks' time."

Meanwhile, Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri said Real will have to increase its offer for Fernando Gago if it wants to sign the young Argentine midfielder.

Spanish media reports claim Real is prepared to pay between 15 and 20 million euros (US$19.79million-US$26.39m) for the highly rated 20-year-old, but Macri said that the nine-time European champion faced stiff competition from other clubs.

Beckham returns to training.

David Beckham returned to full training with Real Madrid on Wednesday after a two-week absence because of a left knee injury.

Beckham, who missed three games with a swollen meniscus, is expected to be ready for Sunday`s Spanish league game against Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Oddsmakers have Real listed at 1/4 to win.

The 31-year-old midfielder has made the starting lineup in only three league games this season and appears likely to be on the substitute`s bench again.

Beckham`s lack of starts heightened speculation about whether he will extend his four-year contract, which expires in June.

If the former England captain doesn`t renew before the end of the year, he will be free to negotiate a move to other clubs. However, both Beckham and Madrid have indicated they hope to strike a new deal.

Madrid is in third place after 12 league games, three points behind defending champion FC Barcelona.

Luck was behind Real victory, says Capello.

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello admitted that luck played a big role in his team's 1-0 win at Valencia on Sunday.

"They had more chances than we did. We were lucky," the Italian tactician told Real's website after the game.

Skipper Raul netted the winner seven minutes into the second-half after a clever pass from Roberto Carlos as Real held on to the win at the Mestalla.

"Valencia have really pressed during the first half and we had a lot of problems dealing with their pressing intensity," he added.

Capello did however praise his team for holding their own at the Mestalla.

"It's very hard to win here; it had been a year since they (Valencia) last lost here."

He also singled out praise for goal-scorer Raul.

"He played a good game and scored the goal. Truly, the goal was a perfect piece of teamwork in attack."

The win placed Real Madrid in second place in the Primera Liga table with 26 points, three behind leaders Barcelona, but Capello kept his feet on the ground.

"There are still many games to go and many points in play in La Liga," he added.

Italy Captain Cannavaro Named Top Player.

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro won the Golden Ball award Monday, the first defender in 10 years selected as Europe's best player.

Cannavaro, who played for Juventus last season but moved to Real Madrid after helping Italy win the World Cup, got 173 points in France Football magazine's annual poll of 52 journalists from around the world. Juventus goalie Gianluigi Buffon was second with 124 points, followed by Arsenal striker Thierry Henry with 121.

FC Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho, who won the award last year, was fourth with 73 points. France's Zinedine Zidane was fifth with 71. Cannavaro is the third defender in 30 years to win _ Matthias Sammer won the award in 1996 and Franz Beckenbauer in 1976.

He was also the fifth Italian to win, following Roberto Baggio (1993), Paolo Rossi (1982), Gianni Rivera (1969) and Argentine-born Omar Sivori (1961).

"This is a double honor," Cannavaro said. "It is given to the best player, and the fact I am a defender makes it even more special."

Cannavaro and Buffon were among Italy's best players at the World Cup in Germany, where the team conceded only one goal before the final against France, which Italy won on penalty kicks. Cannavaro made his 100th international appearance in the final and was voted the World Cup's second-best player behind Zidane.

"It is a fantastic award, the crowning achievement of an exceptional year," said Marcelo Lippi, who coached Italy to the World Cup title. "And Cannavaro as captain of a phenomenal group brings it back a bit for everybody."

The 33-year-old Cannavaro also has also played for Napoli, Parma and Inter Milan. At Parma, he played 212 league games and formed one of Serie A's best defensive partnerships with Lilian Thuram.

"I think he deserves the award if we take into account the World Cup as a whole," Thuram told French television.

Henry, the English Premier League's leading scorer with 27 goals last season, was also the top marksman in 2002, '04 and '05. He was voted player of the year for a record third time by English soccer writers.

"Henry has amazing qualities," Cannavaro said. "I'm sorry he couldn't win it this year."

MATCH REPORT: VALENCIA VS REAL MADRID.

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

0- VALENCIA: Cañizares, Miguel, Albiol, Ayala, Curro Torres; Joaquín, Pallardó (Tavano, 72’), Baraja, Silva; Angulo and Villa (Vicente, 14’).
1- REAL MADRID: Casillas, Salgado, Ramos, Cannavaro (Mejía, 45’), Roberto Carlos; Reyes, Diarra, Emerson, Robinho (De la Red, 68’); Raúl; Van Nistelrooy.
GOALS:
0-1, min.51: Raul.
REFEREE: Medina Cantalejo, Andalusian Refereeing Association. Booked Cannavaro (5’), Diarra (25’), Salgado (42’), and Baraja (43’).
HIGHLIGHTS: Twelfth day of the Primera Liga. Game between Valencia and Real Madrid at a Mestalla stadium full to capacity.

Valencia 0-1 Real Madrid.

Valencia		Real Madrid
0		1
GOALS
		Raul Bravo 51
YELLOW CARDS
Ruben Baraja 44 Joaquin Sanchez 86		Fabio Cannavaro 6 Mahamadou Diarra 26 Michel Salgado 43

MADRID MISSING GALACTICOS.

The cast list for this weekend's clash of the titans at the Mestalla will be missing a host of star names with both Valencia and Real Madrid being badly hit by injuries and suspensions.

Third-placed Real will definitely be without playmaker Guti following his late second-off in last weekend's win over Racing Santander, while Cicinho, Ronaldo and David Beckham are all sidelined with injuries.

But whatever selection headaches Real coach Fabio Capello may have, they are trifling when compared to his Valencia counterpart Quique Sanchez Flores.

He had 12 players suffering from various ailments this week - David Villa, Edu, Raul Albiol, Jose Luis Mora, Emiliano Moretti, Asier Del Horno, Carlos Marchena, Vicente Rodriguez, David Albelda, Jaime Gavilan, Fernando Morientes and David Navarro.

While on top of that, newly-capped Spain international David Silva was facing a suspension following his dismissal in last week's 3-0 defeat to Sevilla.

However, no doubt much to the relief of the under-pressure Sanchez Flores, Silva has been cleared to play on Sunday after the RFEF reduced his red card to a yellow.

Also available for the Valencia coach are Morientes, Vicente, Navarro and Albiol, who have all shaken off their injury problems and been in a 20-man squad.

Villa has been named in the party as well, but it remains to be seen if he will be fit to start against Real.

"With respect to Villa, the final decision will be mine and obviously we will assess the situation until the last moment to see if he can play," said Sanchez Flores, who admits his side will be up against it on Sunday.

"It is never easy against Madrid. They always have fantastic players who play at a great level. Even if they have a bad game they can always score a goal against you."

Morientes, the former Real Madrid striker, added: "The game on Sunday is very similar to the Champions League. Our concentration has to be maximum if we are going to win."

Los Che's injury problems have badly affected their league form, and last week's 3-0 defeat to Sevilla saw them drop to eighth in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Real, although suffering from absentees themselves, are in a much better situation and stayed hot on the heels of leading duo Barca and Sevilla with their win over Racing.

Regardless of their opponents' problems, Real winger Jose Antonio Reyes is expecting a tough match at the Mestalla, where Valencia are unbeaten this season with four wins from five league games.

"It's an exciting match both for the players and the fans. It's one of those games every player likes to play and enjoy every moment of them," Reyes said.

"We are expecting a tough match. The best matches are those which are hard to win. Let's hope we win. We are going to Mestalla with a winning mentality."

Emerson, who has also been struggling with an injury this week but is expected to play, added: "Valencia are always a tough team to play against. They have very good players and they will be tough to beat.

"It's not the same to face a match with so many injured players, but we have to think it will be as hard as always."

Real Madrid Castilla 0-2 Elche.

Real Madrid Castilla		Elche
0		2
GOALS
		Agus 43 Victor Gomis 76
RED CARDS
Alberto Bueno 90

Real urged to drop Becks!

Real Madrid have been urged not to offer David Beckham a new contract by an anonymous board member at the Bernabeu.

Beckham has started only three of Real's last 14 games and contract negotiations between the club and the former England captain are believed to have stalled.

The 31-year-old's current deal expires in the summer, but the unnamed board member has urged the club to let the out-of-favour midfielder leave.

"We can't admit it but it would be best for both sides if Beckham left," he is quoted as saying in Spanish Football magazine Don Balon.

"Why would we invest £16million over two years on a player who is not to the liking of the coach?

"(Coach Fabio) Capello doesn't want him and (Beckham) can't carry on as things are, spending so much time on the bench because it would lose him some of his multi-million-pound advertising deals.

"It's no good for the club either, to have such a famous player on the sidelines like a ticking time-bomb."

Many missing for Mestalla clash.

The cast list for Sunday evening's Primera Liga clash between Valencia and Real Madrid at the Mestalla will be missing a host of star names.

Third-placed Real will definitely be without playmaker Guti following his late sending-off in last weekend's win over Racing Santander, while Cicinho, Ronaldo and David Beckham are all sidelined with injuries.

But whatever selection headaches Real coach Fabio Capello may have, they are trifling when compared to his Valencia counterpart Quique Sanchez Flores.

He had 12 players suffering from various ailments this week - David Villa, Edu, Raul Albiol, Jose Luis Mora, Emiliano Moretti, Asier Del Horno, Carlos Marchena, Vicente Rodriguez, David Albelda, Jaime Gavilan, Fernando Morientes and David Navarro.

While on top of that, newly-capped Spain international David Silva was facing a suspension following his dismissal in last week's 3-0 defeat to Sevilla.

However, no doubt much to the relief of the under-pressure Sanchez Flores, Silva has been cleared to play on Sunday after the RFEF reduced his red card to a yellow.

Also available for the Valencia coach are Morientes, Vicente, Navarro and Albiol, who have all shaken off their injury problems and been in a 20-man squad.

Villa has been named in the party as well, but it remains to be seen if he will be fit to start against Real.

"With respect to Villa, the final decision will be mine and obviously we will assess the situation until the last moment to see if he can play," said Sanchez Flores, who admits his side will be up against it on Sunday.

"It is never easy against Madrid. They always have fantastic players who play at a great level. Even if they have a bad game they can always score a goal against you."

Morientes, the former Real Madrid striker, added: "The game on Sunday is very similar to the Champions League. Our concentration has to be maximum if we are going to win."

Los Che's injury problems have badly affected their league form, and last week's 3-0 defeat to Sevilla saw them drop to eighth in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Real, although suffering from absentees themselves, are in a much better situation and stayed hot on the heels of leading duo Barca and Sevilla with their win over Racing.

Regardless of their opponents' problems, Real winger Jose Antonio Reyes is expecting a tough match at the Mestalla, where Valencia are unbeaten this season with four wins from five league games.

"It's an exciting match both for the players and the fans. It's one of those games every player likes to play and enjoy every moment of them," Reyes said.

"We are expecting a tough match. The best matches are those which are hard to win. Let's hope we win. We are going to Mestalla with a winning mentality."

Emerson, who has also been struggling with an injury this week but is expected to play, added: "Valencia are always a tough team to play against. They have very good players and they will be tough to beat.

"It's not the same to face a match with so many injured players, but we have to think it will be as hard as always."

Real Madrid agent admits Inter Milan move on for Beckham.

Real Madrid's Italian agent Enzo Bronzetti admits a move to Inter Milan could be on for David Beckham.

"This could happen, although I believe that Moratti will renew Luis Figo?s contract. Beckham could move to the United States, but in the end he may decide to stay with Real," said Bronzetti.

Bronzetti, meanwhile, does not think that Antonio Cassano will return to Italy.

"I think he will stay in Spain, there are no clubs interested in him. Milan do not need strikers, Massimo Moratti likes Antonio but I don?t think there will be any move for him. Furthermore, Antonio is not a player who would accept any team."

Boca president: Real Madrid offering 14 times more to Gago.

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri admits they have no chance of competing with Real Madrid over their young midfielder Fernando Gago.

Real have made the signing of the Argentine a priority following the injury suffered to Guti this week and are prepared to put plans of also signing River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain on-hold to focus all their energies on the Boca midfielder.

"The salary for Gago at Real Madrid will be 14 times superior to what we can offer and it is difficult to compete with that," said Macri.

Gago has already agreed personal terms with Real over a deal believed to be worth £1 million-a-year over six or seven seasons. Real have offered £11 million to Boca for the player, but Macri is insisting on £17 million.

Boca Juniors president wants Gago deal done in Madrid.

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri will travel to Spain to finalise terms over midfielder Fernando Gago's move to Real Madrid.

Boca sources have told Marca that Macri wants to thrash out a fee for Gago in Madrid with Real president Ramon Calderon. In recent days Macri has been dealing with Real director Franco Baldini in Buenos Aries.

Real have offered £10 million for the Argentine, which falls £7 million short of Macri's valuation. The Boca supremo also wants Gago to be loaned back to them for the first-half of next year should the deal be concluded by January.

Copa Del Rey: Real Madrid will play against Real Betis.

Last 16 draw. First leg on 10 January and second leg one week later at the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid will face Real Betis Balompié in the Last 16 tie of the 2006/07 King's Cup. The first leg will be played at the Ruiz de Lopera Stadium on 10 January, while the return leg will be one week later at the Santiago Bernabéu.

LAST 16 PAIRINGS:

BETIS-REAL MADRID Levante-Osasuna Malaga-Zaragoza Valladolid-Villarreal Rayo Vallecano-Sevilla Mallorca-Deportivo Alaves-F.C Barcelona Getafe-Valencia .

Guti to miss out for Madrid!

Guti has been ruled out of action for Real Madrid CF for the next three weeks after suffering a groin injury in last night's 2-2 draw with Olympique Lyonnais.


Extended absence

The 30-year-old midfielder, who has just extended his contract at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2010, was substituted in the 21st minute of the UEFA Champions League encounter following a collision with Jérémy Toulalan. Tests have confirmed the early diagnosis that he has a small abductor tear. Guti was set to miss the next two league games anyway after being sent off on Saturday in the 3-1 victory against Real Racing Club Santander but could well not return until after the winter break, which runs from 20 December to 7 January.

Van Nistelrooy: "It's disappointing to miss a penalty after equalising with character."

All eyes were on Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the 89th minute, when he had the chance of winning the match with a penalty kick. Coupet managed to save the shot how upset he was. “I'm disappointed," he said. "It was important for the team, especially after coming back from being down 2-0."

"I'm disappointed with the penalty. It was important for the team, especially after coming back from being down 2-0. I'm very disappointed. I didn't hit the ball well. Nevertheless, drawing 2-2 after turning around a two goal deficit is a good result. They didn't have as many chances in the second half. I've taken five penalties so far this season and I've missed three. We have another important match on Sunday, and we will have to play like we did in the second half today."

Match Report: Real Madrid Vs Olympique Lyonnais.

Real Madrid had to settle for second place in their group after drawing 2-2 against Olympique Lyon. Capello's side were thankful to save a point though after going two down in the first half hour, Carew forcing his way through to open the scoring early on and Malouda getting ahead of the defence to turn Juninho's free kick past Casillas for the second. Diarra headed one back before the break though, and Van Nistelrooy levelled the scores seven minutes from the end, scoring from close up after Raúl had headed a Roberto Carlos cross against the foot of the post. And Madrid could have won it two minutes from the end had Coupet not saved Van Nistelrooy's penalty after the striker had been brought down by Cris.


Match Report:
---------------------

Real Madrid 2 - 2 Olympique Lyon

Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Iván Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Diarra, Emerson (Cassano 75'); Reyes, Raúl, Robinho; Van Nistelrooy. 4-2-3-1.

Lyon: Coupet; Reveillère, Cris, Squillacci, Abidal; Tiago, Juninho Pernambucano, Toulalan (Diarra 90'); Clerc, Carew, Malouda. 4-3-3.

Goals:
0-1. 11. Carew. Picked up ball outside area and held off challenge to beat Casillas.
0-2. 31. Malouda. Got ahead of defence to turn Junninho free kick past keeper.
1-2. 39. Diarra. Headed past Coupet after Van Nistelrooy headed on Reyes corner.
2-2. 83. Van Nistelrooy. From a few inches out after Raúl headed against post.

Real Madrid 2 : 2 Lyon.

Real Madrid		Lyon
2		2
GOALS
Mahamadou Diarra 39 Ruud van Nistelrooij 83		John Carew 11 Florent Malouda 31
YELLOW CARDS
Roberto Carlos 75 Fabio Cannavaro 83 Raul Gonzalez 90 Sergio Ramos 90		Jeremy Toulalan 20 Anthony Reveillere 50 Juninho Pernambucano 54 Florent Malouda 90

Teamsheet Vs Olympique Lyonnais.

With Ronaldo and Beckham both scratched due to injury, Fabio Capello has called up 19 men for Tuesday's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais at theSantiago Bernabéu. The only surprise is the inclusion of youth teamer Javi García, who may have the opportunity to make his Champions League debut with the First Team.

SQUAD LIST:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Míchel Salgado, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Mejía, Cannavaro, Pavón, Raúl Bravo

Midfielders: Diarra, Emerson, Guti, Raúl, Robinho, Reyes, Javi García

Forwards: Cassano, Van Nistelrooy.

Guti and Roberto Carlos sign to stay at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid is to renew the contracts of both Guti and Roberto Carlos. Guti has signed until 2010 while the Brazilian has committed for a season more to June 2008, with an option for a further year extension. All the signings are expected to take place this week.

The EFE news agency reports that Guti has been given a 13% wage increase on the new contract, but details of the Robert Carlos contract have not been revealed.

Meanwhile talks on David Beckham remain reportedly on hold as the player fights to keep a first team place at the club.

Real allowed Beckham to go.

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has confirmed David Beckham's trip to Rome was sanctioned by the club - and that the former England captain had returned to training by Saturday morning.

Beckham travelled to Italy with wife Victoria on Friday to attend a pre-nuptial dinner with Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who married in nearby Bracciano on Saturrday.

It had initially been suggested the former England captain had defied Real in order to make the trip, while later reports declared the club had given him the green light to go.

Capello confirmed following the Primera Liga match with Racing Santander that Beckham had indeed been given permission to go to Italy.

The Italian coach also said the midfielder had been at the club's training ground that morning to continue his recovery from the knee injury which ruled him out of the Racing match.

"Beckham was in Rome with the permission of the club," said Capello.

"This morning he has been at Real Madrid City. We game him permission to travel, because the doctor said he could.

"He has not missed a single minute of his rehabilitation."

The midfielder did not attend the wedding ceremony between Cruise and Holmes, with his wife representing the couple in his absence.

Whether this whole episode will affect Beckham's future at Real Madrid remains to be seen.

He has yet to sign a new contract with Real - and with his current four-year deal running out next summer, he will be free to talk to other clubs in January.

River reject Real's offer for Higuain.

River Plate have turned down a 10-million euro offer from Real Madrid for 18-year-old striker Gonzalo Higuain.

"We're not satisfied with the price nor the idea of handing over the player at the end of the year," River Plate secretary Mario Israel told Reuters on Sunday.

Higuain, who this month turned down a call-up from France where he was born, made his debut for River last year.

He shot to prominence by scoring twice as River Plate beat Brazilian champions Corinthians 3-1 to knock them out of the Libertadores Cup in May and twice more in the 3-1 win over arch-rivals Boca Juniors last month.

"Higuain is only just 18 and still has to grow up," said Israel. "Real Madrid understood that. We've got a lot of games to play and we want him to stay at River at least until June 2007."

Higuain was born in France of Argentine parents and moved to Argentina when he was less than one year old.

Ponferradina 0-3 Real Madrid Castilla.

Ponferradina		Real Madrid Castilla
0		3
GOALS
		Juan Manuel Mata 25 Borja Valero 57 Rayco 82

Real Madrid Movie

The Golden century of Real Madrid. Real Madrid Movie. Watch it.

MATCH REPORT: REAL MADRID Vs RACING SANTANDER.

MATCH REPORT:

REAL MADRID, 3: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro (Míchel Salgado, 75'), Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Diarra; Raúl, Guti, Reyes (Robinho, 67'); Van Nistelrooy.
RACING SANTANDER, 1: Toño; Scaloni, Pinillos, Rubén, Garay, Luis Fernández; Antonio Tomás (Vitolo, 56'), Colsa (David Aganzo, 60'), O.Serrano (Christian Alvarez, 85'); Munitis & Zigic.
GOALS:
1-0. 5'. Sergio Ramos, free-header of a corner kick taken by Reyes.
2-0. 57'. Reyes puts the finishoing touch to a great counterattack.
3-0. 70'. Diarra, after receiving a pass from Raúl.
3-1. 76'. Garay, free-kick.
REFEREE: Lizondo Cortés. Booked Racing's Colsa (21'), Oscar Serrano (39'), Scaloni (67'), Pinillos (78') & Aganzo (89'), and Real Madrid's Emerson (89'), Ramos (89'), Cannavaro (34'), Reyes (65') and Diarra (72'). Guti was sent off (88').
HIGHLIGHTS: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Attendance: 78,000. One minute silence in memory of Ferenc Puskas, who died in Budapest on Friday.

Real Madrid 3 : 1 Racing Santander.

Real Madrid		Racing Santander
3		1
GOALS
Sergio Ramos 5 Jose Antonio Reyes 59 Mahamadou Diarra 71		Ezequiel Marcelo Garay 76
RED CARDS
Guti 88
YELLOW CARDS
Fabio Cannavaro 34 Jose Antonio Reyes 67 Mahamadou Diarra 73 Emerson 90 Raul Bravo 90 Sergio Ramos 90		Gonzalo Colsa 29 Oscar Serrano 40 Scaloni 70 Mauricio Ricardo Pinilla 79

Calderon: Cannavaro to win Ballon d'Or.

Fabio Cannavaro will be named European Footballer of the Year - according to Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

The 33-year-old defender captained Italy to victory in the World Cup this summer before joining Real from Juventus in July.

Calderon made the claims while paying tribute to former Real star Ferenc Puskas, who died aged 89 on Friday.

"The joy at Cannavaro winning the Ballon d'Or has been overshadowed by the sad news of the death of Ferenc Puskas," said Calderon.

The winner of the award is voted for by European journalists and will be revealed officially by France Football magazine on 27 November.

Calderon's claims came after the Spanish media reported a meeting had taken place between France Football's editor and Cannavaro on Thursday.

Should his victory be confirmed, Cannavaro would become the fourth Italian to win the award - joining Gianni Rivera, Paolo Rossi and Roberto Baggio.

He would replace Brazilian Ronaldinho as the holder of the award, and become one of only a handful of defenders to claim the prize.

Real Madrid confirm record TV deal.

Real Madrid have confirmed that they have secured a new television deal that will net the club 800million euros.

An unnamed Spanish media company has bought a 7-season package which will begin in the 2008-09 season.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said: "It's the richest contract in the history of world sport."

Sogecable hold the current rights and pay 55million euros each season to feature the Spanish giants.

Beckham crunch over Cruise wedding.

Real Madrid expects David Beckham to train with the team on Saturday instead of attending movie star Tom Cruise's wedding.

Beckham, who is ruled out of Saturday's league game at Racing Santander with a left knee injury, received Madrid's permission to visit Cruise and his fiancee Katie Holmes in Italy on Friday.

However, club rules insist the 31-year-old midfielder return and work on his fitness before attending the match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, sports daily AS said.

"He's injured, he hasn't recovered and he has to train," Madrid coach Fabio Capello was quoted as saying.

Asked whether he was aware that Beckham would miss the wedding, Capello seemed unconcerned.

"That's not my problem," he said.

Speculation is mounting that Beckham's three and a half year stay with Madrid will end during the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old midfielder, whose contract ends in June, is stalling on Madrid's offer of a new deal due to his lack of first-team opportunities.

Britain's newspapers Saturday said the wedding incident increased the chances of Beckham leaving the club.

"Cruising for a bruising," read the front page headline of top-selling daily The Sun, adding that "Becks risks club row for wedding."

"Real Mad" said the Daily Mirror. Its editorial criticized Real Madrid for telling Beckham "to sit in the stand like a naughty little boy."

Beckham, who has only started three games this season, will be free to negotiate with other clubs if he hasn't renewed by January.

Speculation is rife that he could return to the English Premier League or move to a Major League Soccer club in the United States. MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy is among the clubs reportedly interested.

MLS recently changed its rules on salary caps, which would allow the former England captain to sign a lucrative deal. Beckham has a soccer academy in Los Angeles.

Beckham hasn't won a major trophy with Madrid since his arrival from Manchester United in 2003.

Carlos future in doubt!

Roberto Carlos says he wants to end his career with Real Madrid but is not convinced he will be handed a new deal.

Carlos almost left the club in the summer but opted to stay after turning down offers from Chelsea and Turkish outfit Fenerbahce. However the Brazilian has yet to sign a new deal and, despite being offered a new one-year contract with the option of a further year, Carlos is unsure what the future holds.

Carlos will only get the extension if he plays over 35 games this season, something he is not happy about.

"This is all very well, but what happens if I get injured?" Carlos said of the situation. "I have given a lot to this club and I cannot be fully blamed if things haven't worked out for us in recent years.

"I want to end my career here and that's what I want to explain to the club. I will tell them about the offers I had from Chelsea and Fenerbahce and the fact that they didn't let me leave.

Heartfelt gratitude, admiration and respect for the late Ferenc Puskas.

Ferenc Puskas Biro died on November 17 due to a long illness he had been suffering. He was 79 years old. Puskas was born in Budapest on April 2 1927 and played for Real Madrid between 1958 and 1967. He is considered to be the best goal scorer of the 20th Century and one of the best players in football history. Puskas won five Spanish Leagues and three European Cups with Real Madrid. The whole Madridista family grieves the loss of one of its greatest legends.


Official Announcement from Real Madrid
Heartfelt gratitude, admiration and respect for the late Ferenc Puskas

Real Madrid wish to express their deepest grief for the passing away of Ferenc Puskas, legendary player of our Club from 1958 to 1967 and to convey their heartfelt gratitude, admiration and respect for one of the biggest stars in the history of the Madridista pantheon.

In the minds of all Madridista fans, the name of Puskas is linked to the biggest domestic and international successes of Real Madrid and most specifically to the European Cup. An entire generation grew up watching the feats of this brilliant Hungarian player, his sole mention reminiscent of their younger years, trading picture cards, black and white TV sets and sepia-toned photography.

On this painful hour, Real Madrid wish to thank a person and player that gave everything for his Club, and express their admiration for his footballing talent and their respect for a phenomenal human being.

Ferguson remembers 'special' Puskas

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Ferenc Puskas as "a very special player" following news of the legendary Hungarian's death.

The Manchester United manager met Puskas on more than one occasion and was in the crowd when the former Real Madrid star enjoyed one of the most memorable nights of his career. However, while Ferguson will never forget Puskas' four-goal salvo in the 1960 European Cup final win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park, a visit to Ibrox three years later also sticks in the mind.

"I was lucky to see Puskas play quite a few times," said Ferguson. "I have many memories of him. I was at the European Cup final in 1960 but I also saw him score the only goal against Rangers at Ibrox, before he got a hat-trick against them when Real scored six in the second leg."

He added: "In his day he was a special player without question, part of that great period for Hungarian football. How they did not win the World Cup in 1954 is beyond me.

"It is sad news. But when a great player like that passes, you can at least reflect on what a great player he was and the great games he played in."

Puskas was part of the 'Magical Magyars' team that became the first Continental side to beat England at Wembley in 1953, a game Ferguson remembers well.

"There was one point when Puskas cut back inside Billy Wright and took him so far out of the game he had to pay three and six to get back into the ground," he laughed.

"He was a marvellous player in a fantastic team. The following month they went to Scotland and beat them as well.

"The European Cup final at Hampden was amazing. He scored four then but he also got three against Benfica in 1962 when Real Madrid lost.

"Can you imagine scoring a hat-trick in a European Cup final and not winning? That is amazing."

Wenger - Puskas was a sensational player

Arsène Wenger has paid tribute to Ferenc Puskas, the Hungary and Real Madrid legend who died at the age of 79 on Friday morning.

Puskas led the revered Hungary team of the early 1950s before inspiring Real Madrid to a string of domestic and European trophies. He scored 512 goals in 528 games for the Spanish giants and netted 83 times in 84 international appearances.

"As a player he was absolutely fantastic not only from the very little I saw, but also what people told me," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"I saw a little bit of him at Real Madrid because I had a black and white television. But people told me he was amazing. The fact that he won what he won and he got the respect from everybody as well tells you a lot.

"It tells you a little bit of what life was like at that time. He was one of the two or three best players in the world and at the end of his life he had nothing to survive on.

"People had to put money together so he could be treated in another way because he had Alzheimer's and that's what life was at that time - greatness and difficult times as well.

"As a coach he had a difficult career, he was ill but we have great respect for him because he was a sensational player."

Puskas, who scored four times in Madrid's famous 7-3 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup Final, was part of the Mighty Magyars side which became the first overseas team to beat England on home soil in 1953.

He was voted the 20th century's sixth best player by the International Federation for Football History and Statistics. Wenger believes Puskas would have been a giant of the game regardless of the era he played in.

"I don't like to compare players from different times but I always say the best from their generation would have adapted and would still be the best today.

"It's difficult to ask if he was better than Zidane but I saw a guy today saying he had the brain of Zidane, the determination of Rooney and the skill of some Arsenal players, so he must have been a hell of a player."