Showing posts with label Ancelotti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ancelotti. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Peas release me: Chicharito leaves the bench behind

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There's a new kid on the block at Real Madrid and he goes by the name of Chicharito.

The summer signing from Manchester United bagged two goals from the bench in Madrid's 8-2 demolition of Deportivo and could well have forced his way into Carlo Ancelotti's next starting XI.

That could mean the end for Karim Benzema's run in the team who missed out on the goalscoring party on Saturday as Gareth Bale (two), Cristiano Ronaldo (three), James Rodriguez (one) all found the net instead.
Sunday, 21 September 2014 12:45


Friday, September 19, 2014

Tired Costa run into the ground

Diego Costa may have made an electric start to his Chelsea career, leading the Premier League scoring charts already, but the Blues may struggle to rely on the Spain international for the whole season.

The Brazilian-born forward endured an injury-plagued end to last term with Atletico Madrid, which led to a miserable World Cup, and has been struggling with various problems in recent weeks, notably withdrawn from the Roja squad for their Euro 2016 qualifier.

Costa was then omitted from the starting XI to face Schalke on Wednesday night, with Jose Mourinho revealing that his star forward is unable to play so many games so close together as Chelsea prepare to wrap the 25-year-old in cotton wool.

"Diego Costa is not in a condition to play three matches in a week," said the Portuguese after the side's 1-1 draw with the Bundesliga strugglers.

"He has problems at this moment. When he plays one game he needs a week to recover to be in condition to play in the next game. We play now in midweek – he can’t do it."
On the other hand Real Madrid's Benzema and Liverpool's Balotelli finally scored their first goals this season in the Champions League opening.

Thursday, 18 September 2014 11:00

Monday, September 15, 2014

Ancelotti: Football isn't a game for girls!

Carlo Ancelotti caused quite a stir in the build-up to the Madrid derby, claiming Atletico Madrid should be applauded for their physical approach because "football's not for girls"...
Saturday, 13 September 2014 11:04

Monday, August 11, 2014

Casillas still the man at Madrid

Iker Casillas was provided with something of a vote of confidence following Real Madrid's decision to offload Diego Lopez to AC Milan.

The Spain No.1, who lost his place to Lopez for the majority of the 2013-14 campaign, is seemingly still in favor at the Bernabeu despite his struggles with his national team at the World Cup.

The signing of Keylor Navas has further pushed Lopez out the door, with the 32-year-old furious at the way he has been treated by the Champions League winners, while Casillas now looks certain to finish his career in Madrid.
Sunday, August 10, 2014 12:00

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Real Madrid claim La Decima

Real Madrid finally claimed La Decima with a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Lisbon.

Diego Simeone’s men came within a whisker of denying their city rivals Champions League glory with Real needing a 93rd minute header from Sergio Ramos to take the game into extra-time.

Los Blancos then ran away with the game in the second period with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo sealing a 4-1 victory and a 10th European Cup.
Sunday, 25 May 2014 10:34

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Liga leaders slip up in title race

La Liga fans must be wondering if anyone wants to win the title this season as all three sides fighting at the top of the table slipped up in an astonishing weekend of Spanish football.

Barcelona were the first side to drop points, drawing 2-2 at home to Getafe on Saturday, before Atletico Madrid appeared to relinquish their grip on top spot with a 2-0 defeat away to Levante.

Then, on Sunday night, Real Madrid failed to take advantage of their rivals' failings as they twice fell behind to Valencia, with a magical back-heel volley from Cristaino Ronaldo needed to salvage their title hopes in stoppage time.

The title is still in Ateltico's hands, but Barcelona and Madrid will be ready to pounce if Diego Simeone's men slip up on any more banana skins.
Monday, May 5, 2014 09:30

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Guardiola prepares for Madrid return

During his time at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola had some enjoyable battles against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And the 43-year-old is now preparing for another test in the Spanish capital as Bayern Munich will meet Madrid in their Champions League semi-final tie.

Will Guardiola guide Bayern to the final in Lisbon?
Saturday, April 12, 2014 12:00

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Cry-baby Ribery throws his toys out of the pram

Franck Ribery has not taken losing out on the Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo at all well, if his latest comments are anything to go by.

The Bayern Munich man finished third behind the Real Madrid ace and Lionel Messi despite winning a historic treble with the Bundesliga side last season.

"I won everything I could win with Bayern and individually. Ronaldo on the other hand did not win anything," he told AZ.

"I am not sad that I missed out, but it does hurt a bit. I deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:47

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ancelotti wages war to keep Casillas

He may no longer be the undisputed No.1 goalkeeper at Real Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti is determined to keep Iker Casillas.

The Spain international lost his place in the starting XI under previous boss Jose Mourinho during the 2012-13 season to Diego Lopez.

Lopez continues to be a regular fixture in the starting XI under Ancelotti, but the Italian is adamant that he does not want Casillas to leave.

"It was not an easy decision, I have two goalkeepers of high quality, the best two in the world," the Italian trainer told RNE.

"I started with Diego as my No.1, but then did not consider that Casillas would not play. Rotating goalkeepers is not the most desirable thing, it is not easy, but they have understood.

"I'll fight the same way I did for Xabi. This team have key players representing the club and I will wage war for Casillas to finish his career here, in Madrid."

Ancelotti has also suggested Casillas could be in the starting lineup to face Espanyol on Sunday as Lopez is struggling with a stomach bug.
Saturday, 11 January 2014 12:45

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Jese 'living the dream' after saving Real Madrid

Jese Rodriguez claims he was "fulfilling a dream" after he scored a late winner in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Valencia on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had taken the lead twice through Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo, only to be pegged back on each occasion by Pablo Piatti and Jeremy Mathieu.

But as the match at the Mestalla looked to be heading for a stalemate, Jese popped up with a goal which has kept Madrid five points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

“I was looking for Zidane in the celebrations as his support is a big influence for me," Jese explained after the match. "He and the coach give me a lot of love and Zidane is a big reason why I stayed at the club.”
Monday, December 23, 2013 12:00

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Storylines aplenty after Champions League draw

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League was completed on Monday, with some intriguing fixtures emerging to create a number of story-lines.

Didier Drogba will get his return to Chelsea and what is sure to be an emotional reunion with Jose Mourinho, after the Blues were drawn with Turkish side Galatasaray.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to draw upon all his knowledge of La Liga for the clashes with Barcelona, while Arsene Wenger's Arsenal were arguably handed the toughest tie of them all after they were paired with holders Bayern Munich.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013 09:45

Saturday, November 23, 2013

DRAXULER! Schalke star seduces top bosses

The race for Schalke star Julian Draxler is hotting up - and doesn't he know it!

The Germany international has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young prospects in recent years, with the likes of Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea strongly linked, as well as Real Madrid.

But the latest twist in the saga, after Goal had exclusively revealed David Moyes' side had joined the race for his signature, has resulted in Draxler fluttering his eyelashes in Arsenal's direction.

With more twists and turns still to come, you can count on the Draxuler saga being one you can sink your teeth into!
Friday, 22 November 2013 12:00

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Real vultures close in on Suarez


Luis Suarez may be fully fit, suspension-free and free-scoring, but he will never shake speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool.

And so as the January transfer window approaches, what better time for Real Madrid to begin laying the foundations for a big money move?

The Liga giants may find it hard to muster the cash and convince the Reds to sell their star striker this winter, but he has certainly moved to the top of their wishlist with a series of impressive displays under Brendan Rodgers.

Expect numerous quotes from players, Florentino Perez and anyone with an affiliation to Madrid in the coming months, before a long and painful (but ultimately successful) pursuit in the summer.

The vultures are circling.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 08:26

Friday, November 1, 2013

Commander Cristiano shows Blatter who's boss


He may alledgedly spend more time in the hairdresser's, but boy does that Ronaldo know how to score goals!

After being satirised by Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who claimed Ronaldo was a commander on the pitch before doing a silly walk, the Portuguese made sure he had the last laugh by bagging a hat-trick on a crazy night in Madrid.

Gareth Bale scored twice, and set up another two, on a fine night for the Welshman (even if there was a comedy dive thrown in for good measure), while Karim Benzema hit two of his own.

Ronaldo, backed by the cheers of every home fan at the Santiago Bernabeu, marked his first goal of the night with the kind of salute fitting of a true field commander - over to you, Sepp!
Thursday, October 31, 2013 12:00

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Ballon War! Ronaldo & Blatter do battle over Messi comments

Sepp Blatter caused a rumble in world football on Tuesday when his comments about Cristiano Ronaldo were put under the spotlight.

Speaking at the end of last week, the Fifa president admitted that he preferred Lionel Messi to the Real Madrid attacker, who he claimed "spent more time at the hairdresser's".

Ronaldo hit back with a Facebook status which hinted at institutional favouritism towards Messi and his club, Barcelona, while Madrid president Florentino Perez wrote an open letter which demonstrated his displeasure.

Blatter has since apologised for his remarks by replying to Perez's letter and also Tweeting Ronaldo's official account.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013 09:00

Monday, September 16, 2013

Bale & Ronaldo not enough to sink the yellow submarine


Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo lined up together for the first time on Saturday as the Wales international made his Real Madrid debut at Villarreal.

It took the club’s new signing just 39 minutes to begin repaying his transfer fee as he equalised Cani’s opener, slotting home from close range.

Not to be outdone, Ronaldo put the visitors ahead in the second half, but it was not enough to deny a spirited Villarreal side who grabbed an equaliser through Giovani dos Santos.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Ronaldo's singing sister steals the stage


Cristiano Ronaldo's sister has signed a record deal!

Katia Aveiro has teamed up with the production company behind the musical success of Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez to release her first album.

Aveiro has already taken YouTube by storm with her hit "Boom Sem Parar" and will now try to take centre stage, just look her brother! 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Life's a beach: Madrid cruise in Bournemouth sunshine

Real Madrid began their pre-season in convincing fashion on Sunday, roundly beating Championship side Bournemouth 6-0 down on the south coast in front of a packed Dean Court.

With it also marking the beginning of Carlo Ancelotti's reign as boss, the Liga side ensured their marquee names were on show and none other than Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a double in the romp.

Bournemouth erected a temporary stand just for the occasion, allowing as many as 12,000 people to lap up the atmosphere and bask in the aura of the galacticos.  

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Cavani signs on despite PSG exodus

Edinson Cavani officially sealed his transfer from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, speaking of how he wants to win the Champions League in the French capital.

But will that be a realistic opportunity next season? Despite having run Barcelona close last time out, things will be tougher following the exits of Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo, who helped attract several targets from South America and Serie A.

Speaking of which, the futures of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain up in the air, so has Cavani made the right choice?!