IFFHS NAMES FC BARCELONA BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD 2011

The FIFA backed "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" (IFFHS) has reconfirmed want everyone already knew, that SPANISH FOOTBALL Club FC BARCELONA is the "Best Football Team in the World" for 2011. It´s the third time ( 2007, 2009 & 2011) that Barça gets this outstanding recognition form the IFHHS.

Another Spanish Football Club needs to be mentioned as it was second placed, that is, the fierce rival REAL MADRID CF

FC Barcelona 2011

Here is the full list by the IFFHS:

1. FC Barcelona (SP) 367,0
2. Real Madrid (SP) 312,0
3. Velez Sarsfield (ARG) 271,0
4. Manchester United (ENG) 270,0
5. Manchester City (ENG) 239,0
6. Santos (BRA) 238,0
7. Universidad de Chile (CHI) 235,5
8. Benfica (POR) 235,0
9. Oporto (POR) 231,0
10. Universidad Católica (CHI) 230,0
11. Schalke 04 (GER) 229,0
12. Bayern Munich (GER) 229,0
13. Libertad Asuncion (PAR) 220,5
14. París Saint-Germain (FRA) 220,0
15. LDUQ (ECU) 218,5

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FIFA 2011 "IDEAL 11 TEAM"

SPANISH FOOTBALL was recognized by FIFA yesterday in more ways than one for 2011. Here is the official list of the "IDEAL 11 TEAM" for 2011.

FIFA World XI

FC BARCELONA has 5 players ( Alves, Pique, Xavi, Iniesta & Messi) with REAL MADRID having 4 players chosen ( Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso & Cristiano Ronaldo). The other two players are from Manchester United ( Vidic & Rooney).


Attempt putting a value on these 11 guys?

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IFFHS NAMES GUARDIOLA BEST COACH 2011

SPANISH & FC BARCELONA Coach JOSEP GUARDIOLA has been named by the FIFA backed "International Football Federation of History & Statistics" (IFFHS) as the "Best Coach in World Football". Its the second straight year that the Catalan gets this prestigious recognition & with a healthy margin over second placed José Mourinho of Real Madrid.

Josep Guardiola

Here is the list of "Best Coach 2011" as given by the IFFHS:

.1. Pep Guardiola (SP) FC Barcelona 201 pts

.2. José Mourinho (POR) Real Madrid 112

.3. Sir Alex Ferguson (ESC) Manchester United 107

.4. André Villas-Boas (POR) Chelsea 78

.5. Roberto Mancini (ITA) Manchester City 45

.6. Muricy Ramalho (BRA) Santos 20

.7. Ivan Jovanovi (SER) APOEL Lefkosia 11

.+. Jorge Luis Sampaoli (ARG) Universidad de Chile 11

.9. Domingos Paciencia (POR) Sporting Club 10

.+. Jorge Daniel Fossati (URU) Al-Sadd Doha 10

.+. Jupp Heynckes (ALE) Bayern Múnich 10

.12. Arsene Wenger (FRA) Arsenal 9

.13. Ricardo A. Gareca (ARG) Vélez Sarsfield 8

.16. Diego V. Aguirre (URU) Peñarol Montevideo 6

.18. Víctor M. Vucetich (MEX) Monterrey 5

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IFFHS NAMES XAVI HERNANDEZ BEST MIDFIELDER 2011

The FIFA backed IFFHS ( International Football Federation of History & Statistics) has handed in their list of the "Best Midfielder in World Football" for 2011 ( game creator + assistances) . The FC BARCELONA & Spanish Football International XAVI HERNANDEZ tops the list over second placed team-mate Lionel Messi. Its the 4th consecutive time that Xavi gets this prestigious recognition, & maybe, just maybe, the Golden Ball organizers can put aside their "marketing variable" & prize Xavi for at least his long & consistent trajectory. However, don't think this will happen.

But there is another great observation, there are another 4 more Spanish Football players in the Top 10 of World Football: Iniesta, Silva, Xabi Alonso & Cesc Febragas

Here is the IFFHS list :

.1. Xavier Hernández Creus 'Xavi' (SP/Barcelona) 232 points
.2. Lionel Messi (ARG/Barcelona) 147
.3. Andrés Iniesta (SP/Barcelona) 110
.4. Mesut Özil (GER/Real Madrid) 59
.5. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Real Madrid) 47
.6. David Silva (SP/Manchester City) 31
.7. Wesley Sneijder (HOL/Inter Milan) 22
.8. Xabier Alonso 'Xabi' (ESP/Real Madrid) 19
.9. Diego Forlán (URU/Inter Milan) 17
.10. Cesc Fábregas (SP/Barcelona) 15
.11. Andrea Pirlo (ITA/Juventus) 15
.12. Franck Ribery (FRA/Bayern Munich) 10
.13. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER/Bayern Munich) 9
.14. Luka Modric (CRO/Tottenham Hotspur) 8
.15. Frank Lampard (ENG/Chelsea) 5
.16. Javier Matías Pastore (ARG/Paris Saint-Germain) 5

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SPANISH FOOTBALL PLAYERS | BEST XI TEAM BY ITALIAN SPORTS PAPER

The Italians have elected their "Best XI Team" for 2011 via the Sports paper "Gazzetta Dello Sport". Below is a neat diagram that shows it all with names/Clubs. As you can see its packed with players (coach) from SPANISH FOOTBALL Clubs. Question that comes to my mind: Schweinsteiger better than Xabi Alonso? 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL BEST 11 TEAM VOTED BY INTERNET READERS

Imagine that you are asked the question: "...what is your "Best XI Team" for 2011. But theres more; forget about tactics, what Guardiola & Mourinho may say & just pick what you like, with money not being a problem, or Winter Market deadlines, managers, fans, media...no problems, just what you would wish your "dream" team to be.


This is precisely what "marca.com" asked & 116,000 internet readers have answered. Bear in mind that they are Spanish based readers & thus the SPANISH FOOTBALL look & flavour is too obvious, but don't let that be an issue.

marca.com Best X1 Team 2011

According to the results of the voting,  here is the team:


Casillas; Dani Alves, Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Xavi, Iniesta; Di María, Kun Agüero, Cristiano; Messi


Five from Barcelona, five from Real Madrid & Sergio Aguero currently at Manchester City. Impressive team indeed.

What I actually think is great is the "cartoon" image whipped up by marca.com to suit the story. Congratulations to the drawer!

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FC BARCELONA | ANDRES INIESTA

SPANISH SPORTS papers become creative during the Xmas Break as Football "stops" but the selling of papers continue. One inventive daily is Barcelona based "Sport" which comes up with interesting content, this case, an info-graph dedicated to FC BARCELONA crack ANDRES INIESTA.

The diagram is in Spanish but I believe it is intuitive enough for non-Spanish readers to get the gist.

Courtesy: MARC CREUS / CARLES JAVIERRE

Amazing stats & impressive collection of titles from a player that is amongst the Top 3 Football players in World Football. In fact, many experts consider that Andres Iniesta as THE player on the planet.

Hope the Barça & Iniesta fans around the World find this piece of interest. 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL LEADING GOAL SCORER 2011

Good moment to give the current list of SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE leading goal scorers. The widget on the side of the blog by our friends at "footbo.com" is obviously wrong & it looks like they are not getting their "shit" together. I am even contemplating removing the widget, I will allow a week more to see if they react.

Cristiano Ronaldo

After 17 Rounds (2011) played of LA LIGA the "El Pichichi" ( term given to the Spanish 1º Division Leading Goal scorer) looks like this:



Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)   20 goals
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 17
Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid) 12
Roberto Soldado (Valencia CF) 11
Falcao (At Madrid) 9


This will obviously change in coming weeks as either Ronaldo or Messi can score Hat-trick at any moment thus continuing on with their "personal battle",  & breaking away from their immediate followers. Other players may enter the list as well, eg Benzema.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL DOMINATES L´EQUIPE 2011 BEST 11 LIST

The French Sports paper "LÉquipe" has handed in their "Best 11 team" for 2011. As expected the list has a very SPANISH FOOTBALL flavour with the mayority of players from FC BARECLONA & REAL MADRID.


There are two lists: the first chosen by Sports journalists & the second chosen by readers via an internet poll.

Ronaldo - Messi

Football journalist "Best 11 for 2011":


Neuer (Schalke/Bayern), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Iniesta (Barcelona); Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) & Messi (Barcelona)


Readers "Best 11 for 2011":

Casillas, Alves, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Eric Abidal, Fábregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldo, Messi & Benzema.

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FIFA | SPAIN FINISHES Nº1 RANKED | 4TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The current FIFA World & European Champions, SPAIN , has for a consecutive fourth year finished Nº1 Rank Football National Team in the FIFA RANKING. The World Football Authority released its Final 2011 list today with Spain on top with 1,564 pts. 

Spanish Football Team

Below is the final FIFA Ranking for 2011: 
1. (.1) SPAIN 1.564 pts.
2. (.2) Holland 1.365.
3. (.3) Germany 1.345.
4. (.4) Uruguay 1.309.
5. (.5) England 1.173.
6. (.6) Brazil 1.143.
7. (.7) Portugal 1.100.
8. (.8) Croatia 1.091.
9. (.9) Italy 1.082.
10.(10) Argentina 1.067.
11.(11) Denmark 1.035.
12.(12) Russia 971.
13.(13) Chile 970.
14.(14) Greece 964.
15.(15) France 915.
16.(16) Ivory Coast 912.
17.(17) Switzerland 898.
18.(18) Sweden 891.
19.(19) Japan 884.
20.(23) Bosnia 869.

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VIDEO | DAVID VILLA OPERATED & GIVES THANKS TO FANS

DAVID VILLA has 000s of fans around the World. I know that many admirers have been taken back by the serious injury of the FC Barcelona & Spanish International forward with his broken shine-bone. The player was yesterday operated on in Barcelona & Villa has made this video to thank all the well wishers & fans. Its in Spanish , but for our non-Spanish speakers, that message is basically thanks to all, the operation has been a success, that his full of spirit & will work to be back for the Champions League Final ( if Barça makes it) & the upcoming Euro 2012 Championship.



Independent medical professionals comment that his injury will take between 4 - 5 months, & even then he will need strengthening of muscle & bone. Lets not discard the optimism expressed by Villa, although his plans look almost ( repeat almost ) difficult - if not impossible - to reach. Meanwhile from here a cheer & speedy recovery message to David Villa.


PD: Spanish Cup action tonight...surf in late night for details
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NEYMAR EXPRESSES HIS FC BARCELONA LOVE ?

Just a bit of gossip from the Spanish Sports papers that I thought you may want to know. Apparently, the hottest "rooster" in Brazil, SANTOS dancing star NEYMAR, expressed his true desires after being danced around by the FC BARCELONA chant & mantra in yesterdays "FIFA Clubs World Cup Final".

Neymar

Rumour has it that Neymar whispered into the ear of Barcelona Coach Guardiola, when they had the after-match Sportsman embrace & said: "Take me to Barça". It seems that the kid has seen the light of European & Spanish Football after leaving his team down to 10 men,  as he was "invisible" ( but on the field) for 88 minutes. The youngster has been expressing his love for Barça the last couple of days.

Coincidently, the Brazilian Football Federation ( CBF) has said that the new contract until 2014 between Santos & Neymar is not valid because Santos forgot to register it with them. Thats a nice move! Did the Santos & Barça President plan it all to get out of the clutches of Real Madrid & the pre-agreement with Neymar - Santos? Who knows.

What is clear is that everything surrounding Neymar looks everything but clean, & the trust factor isn´t exactly a premium. Not the type of player one can put their faith on for future plans, especially after the non-existent performance yesterday.

Stay tuned!

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SANTOS 0 FC BARCELONA 4 | FIFA CLUBS WORLD CUP FINAL RESULT 2011

FC BARCELONA proclaimed themselves the 2011 "FIFA Club World Cup Champion" after defeating Brazilian Club SANTOS 0 - 4. Its the second title of this character for Barça which won their last back in 2009 in Qatar.

Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona demonstrated - if there was any doubt - that the Club is currently the "Best in the World", & their midfielder LIONEL MESSI once again raised for the occasion to be voted the MVP, ie he was prized with the competitions "Golden Ball". I personally would have given Barça defender Dani Alves a prize as I thought he was the true "Man of the Match", however the organizers decided to give XAVI HERNANDEZ the "Silver Ball" & NEYMAR the "Bronze". This last more marketing than for merit in my opinion.

Messi scores goal

Barça scored first after dominating the start of the match & the ball via MESSI in the 16th min. The Barça "dancing" continued & XAVI scored the second in the 23rd min, while the knock-out came via FABREGAS with a third in the 44th min. It was obvious that Barça was too much for Santos who were not even smelling the ball.

Xavi scores for Barça

The second half was more relaxed from Barça´s perspective as they continued maintaining the ball, creating chances & were unlucky not to have scored a bag full, except for a fourth & final from MESSI in the 82nd min. Santos had a chance via Neymar which Barça goalie Valdes stopped with authority. Said this, it was the only dangerous moment that Santos gave Barça.

In fact,  it was a "cake walk" for Barça, with their authority stamped all over the Final that eclipsed Santos who´s Football was seen to be way below Spanish Football level, or European level. 

FC Barcelona

Last week the World press slammed Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for not being up to the big occasions, that is, the last "clasico" game against Barça. Barcelona can do this, & it did again, this time with Neymar who was non-existent. The kid was overwhelmed by the stage, lights & the Football Team in front of him. A learning experience for Neymar? Perhaps. The player is still young & learning? Perhaps too.

But allow me to put in my opinion. The player could be just a promise, a prototype of "Robinho" that looked like he would eat the World & ended up eating himself. Perhaps this defeat is good for Neymar to balance his short & explosive career: less show, less dancing & marketing, & more Football; disciplined & thought out Football. He did look like a "rooster" tonight, running around without cause & almost headless ( yes, a bit cruel from my part, excuse me).

By the way, the eye-ball looks between FC Barcelona President Rosell & Neymar at the end with medal presentations smells of "agreement". Said this, I don´t see Neymar fitting into the disciplined team tactics & style of  Barcelona Coach Guardiola. However, anything is possible.

Neymar - Messi

Congratulations to FC Barcelona for a great Final & totally deserved title. 

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ATLETICO DE MADRID 3 - RENNES 1 | EUROPA LEAGUE RESULT - GROUP I

ATLETICO DE MADRID finished top of their EUROPA LEAGUE Group I after defeating French Club RENNES 3 - 1. The French side came with more reserves than regular players & thus the match was not as intense for the locals as expected, & thankfully so.

Falcao scores

Low attending crowd of around 13,000 supporters that voiced their discontent with the Club, the team,  & especially Coach Manzano with chants of "leave the Club". This created an unpleasant atmosphere which persisted all game & highlighted the tense moments that the Spanish Football Club is experiencing. 

The play overall was sloppy & irregular with Adrian & Diego highlighting themselves above the rest. 

Dominguez scores

Rennes started well hitting the bar in the 16th min as Atletico looked nervous in front of their "hostile" home fans. The tension eased a bit when Adrian won a penalty in the 37th min which FALCAO transformed. The second for Atletico came via defender DOMINGUEZ with his 42 nd min header from a Diego free-kick.

The second half was scrappy & Atletico goalkeeper Asenjo had to make some important saves, until TURAN scored the third for Atletico with a nice drive in the 79th min. The French team managed a consolation goal in the 86th min via MANDJECK with Atletico a bit relaxed.

In the end a victory for Atletico & top Group spot which enables that they do not get paired with the likes of Manchester City & United & other "fall-out" Champions League Clubs for the next phase of the competition.

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AL SAAD 0 FC BARCELONA 4 | DAVID VILLA OUT 6 MONTHS

FC BARCELONA defeated AL_SAAD 0 - 4 in the semi final of the "FIFA World Clubs Championship" in Japan & will meet Bralizian Club SANTOS in the weekend final.

Barça was never really troubled the whole match & one gets the idea that their opponents, although professional & putting in a very good game, had the joy of playing with their Football Heroes.

Adriano

The goals came via ADRIANO with two ( 24th & 42 min ) , KEITA in the 64th min & MAXWELL in the 82nd min. The outstanding players were Iniesta ( fabulous as always) & young Thiago putting in an excellent match with passes that turned into goals.

David Villa moment of injury. broken shinebone

However the victory came at an important cost, as DAVID VILLA broke his "shinebone" in the 36th min & will be out of action between 5 - 6 months. This puts his participation with the Spanish National Football Team during the upcoming Euro 2012 almost impossible.

Cruel bad luck as Villa was main page this week with speculation about his future outside of Barcelona next season. Now all this murmur stops until the player can recover. Sad way to start Christmas & the New Year. From here we wish to man luck & a speedy recovery.
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PSG 4 - ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO 2 | EUROPA LEAGUE RESULT

EUROPA LEAGUE action tonight with SPANISH FOOTBALL representative ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO travelling to Paris & losing with a 4- 2 result to PSG in their Group F match

PSG - At.Bilbao

PSG deserved the victory BUT it tasted sour & meant little as the French Club DOES NOT continue along the Europa League road, something that Bilbao does do as they secured their participation before this match.

Bilbao scored first in the 3rd min via AURTNETXE, but PSG equalized via PASTORE in the 21 st min & the French then later went ahead in the 40th via BODMER

Pastore-PSG

Bilbao managed to equalize via a tremendous goal from DAVID LOPEZ in the 54th min, but PSG raced away with their third, an own goal from Bilbao player IÑIGO PEREZ in the 85th min & a fourth from HOARAU in the 90th min


Tomorrow:  Atletico de Madrid - Rennes ( Group I )

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FC BARECLONA | DAVID VILLA ON SALE ?

The title of the Spanish Sports paper says it all : "Barcelona puts Guaje on the market" VILLA FOR SALE. A SPANISH FOOTBALL Bombshell? Madrid media propaganda? Destabilizing tactics from Madrid? Interested party testing the waters? The players sending an S.O.S messaje? Bullshit? Truth?

One cannot also doubt that the newspaper looks to sell & get some "free marketing" ( as here ), but... The murmurs from "Camp Barça" have been persistent for months. Firstly, a rumour came out that Villa & Lionel Messi do not have the best of relationships, something obviously denied by the Club. The increased time spend the bench by Villa has not helped, along with Alexis winning protagonism & young Isaac Cuenca winning his place. Then apparently the straw the broke the camels back seems to be the no inclusion for the "Clasico" last Saturday.

The "curse" of the Nº9 ( centre forward ) continues: Eto´o, Ibrahimovic, Bojan & now Villa?
The player has been taken away from his natural position since arriving at Barça to play in the wing, here he is less effective but sacrifices for the team. This was not part of the signing promise. Alexis also plays there & now young Cuenca is getting more time & play.  The rumours say that Villa is perplexed & understands that this was not what was promised to him before signing.


The news today from "Marca" says that FC BARCELONA will be willing to sell the player if they receive a MEGA OFFER ( he cost Barça 42M€) & will even contemplate a sale in this upcoming "Winter Market". The list of Clubs interested is long : Chelsea FC the most, Liverpool, Aston Villa, plus Italian Clubs. However,  I doubt that Barça will sell so soon, if they do intend to sell. If anything the end of the season may be a moment for both Club & player to analyse their situation, it is the custom of Coach Guardiola.

The other theories are that the news has been "filtered" by the player to send a S.O.S message that he is not happy, & that the Club may only be sounding the market. I also don´t discard a marketing move by the paper & a destabilising tactic by Madrid precisely when Barça is about to play for the "Clubs Championships" in Japan.

Either way, worth noting the story, the possible situation & keeping an eye on how things may develop in the coming months.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO | THE OBSESSIONS

REAL MADRID CF player CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pointed out by fans & the media as one of the principal disappointments of last Saturdays "Clasico" with FC BARCELONA,  where the Madrid team was defeated 1 - 3. I personally,  here on the blog  posted ( story below),  that Ronaldo repeatedly "chokes" in the big occasions ( observable experience with nothing against the man personally). The local media has been more severe in their comments & analysis  with some even going as far to say that Ronaldo is a "False Great". 

Cristiano Ronaldo - clasico 2011

Sports papers have attempted to determine what possible cause/s may exist that makes Ronaldo "shrink" in the face of FC Barcelona &/or the big moments ( barring his Spanish Cup winning goal in extra-time last year). The papers have even consulted "sports psychologists" in an attempt to give readers a possible answer, the main consensus is OBSESSION, which leads to anxiety.

So I went to a psychology source for its true definition:


Obsession: An obsession is the inability of a person to stop thinking about a particular topic or feeling a certain emotion without a high amount of anxiety. When obsessed, an individual continues the obsession in order to avoid the consequent anxiety. In the case of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the individual may have only the obsessions, compulsions or both. An example of an obsession in OCD is a person who can't stop thinking about something in particular at all times.


I now add , what is "that something"?

- To be the best...the Nº1.
- To score the most goals
- Be the "star"
- Be adored by all the fans
- Get the most press front covers
- Have the most Social media followers & presence
- FC Barcelona
- Lionel Messi , his direct rival
- Be the hero when Real Madrid finally can defeat Barça
etc. & etc..


If it is in fact all these - I'm just asking - I can understand why Ronaldo can´t perform. No one can with so many obsessions.


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EL CLASICO | THE FALL OF THE REAL MADRID TEMPLE

With the "Clasico" dust finally settled in Madrid,  after the FC BARCELONA "hurricane" brushed pass on their way to Japan defeating REAL MADRID 1 - 3 on their home turf, I can now sit down & reflect on certain observations - some already said below in the match post - that I would like to reinforce, add to & of course, add some humour. This last part is basic as neither Football, Real Madrid or FC Barcelona will pay your bills or get you out of your problems, points important to never forget.

Before the Clasico REAL MADRID remained me ( see above) a bit of the Temple of Zeus (Athens) above: majestic, impressive, full of history & a wonder. However, like most things, nothing is safe or invulnerable to circumstances, or to use the simile, to "earthquake" effects that shake the foundations on where you stand.

The FC Barcelona "earthquake" yesterday did more damage than just the 1 - 3 win, Barça is still 3 points behind Real Madrid in the classification table. The real damage was that it shook the Madrid Club from its foundations affecting its structure & appearance.

The after shocks results are the fall of some important columns that I am not "brave" enough,  as yet,  to venture categorically & proclaim as "ruins". Yes, its too early in the season & yes Real Madrid is a Club that historically reconstructs itself again & again. However, the repeat of history leads me to suspect that there are patterns that repeat themselves & that almost - I said almost - nearly makes it "scientific" ( observable & repeated experience).

CRISTINO RONALDO is the main column that has tumbled after yesterdays "Clasico", I would add, yet again. This time the verdict is nearly unanimous, & as an example a  Football journalist last night proclaimed on National TV ( the L´Equipe Spanish correspondent journalist Hermel) that Ronaldo is a "FALSE GREAT". The man was obviously effected by his team defeat ( yes he is a proclaimed RM fan), but his comment , in itself, was not at all exaggerated.

The true Football legends, & those who self proclaim & pretend to be present at the Olympus of the Football Greats, are precisely those that contribute & change - mostly single handed - the course of Football events. Players who under extraordinary moments influence events & deliver the goods. A magic pass, an impossible goal & a far an beyond sacrifice for his team or the cause. Said differently, players who make THE difference in the big & historic moments. Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday choked - again - shrinking in size to be more a negative factor than a positive element for his team. The man failed in the crucial moments, condemning him in Football History as human ( we all make mistakes & fail ) & ripping off his face the "mask of a Football God". Clasicos have a habit of doing this.

Ronaldo recently claimed after being asked by the press , why fans around the World shout insults at him...he replied "Maybe its because I´m rich, handsome & a great player". After yesterdays performance that answer could only be because you are rich, because handsome is in the eye of the beholder & great is an illusion.


Another column that fell was German International OZIL. The difference with CR7 is that Ozil doesn't self proclaim himself as a "great", but his disappearing acts in the big occasions is a worry. Last night his German National Coach Low present at the "Santiago Bernabeu" must have heard some alarm bells. The Real Madrid mass supporters was indeed very disappointed. To his advantage, Ozil is still young.

DI MARIA simply shrunk. Physical effort has no meaning without the mind, a plan & strategy. What saves the man from last nights "earthquake" is that the options given to him were not available either. The man had to improvise & a "Clasico" is not the stage for a "one man show" , just look at his team-mate CR7.


The Real Madrid defence column suffered as well. Brazilian MARCELO was deficient all night  in defensive chores & totally neutralized by Barça defender Alves who gave the 3rd goal pass to the head of Cesc. SERGIO RAMOS was claiming a place at the seat of Franz Beckenbauer ( or Fernando Hierro) at the Football Olympus, to achieve the ascension onto the "heavens" you need some "extra stuff". 


Finally, JOSE MOURINHO fell (again) after being out-smarted tactically by Barça Coach Guardiola. Jose, why put on Ozil who psychically is doubtful & not Kaka? Why put Lass in the midfield & not swapped him position wise with Coentrao? Why is Cristiano Ronaldo never taken off? The damage of the 1 - 3 defeat yesterday is a lessening in the intensity of the shine of the "Mourinho" aura. If his dressing room begins to suspect ( some already do ) that Mourinho maybe more of "magician - hypnotist" than a Football General & Strategist there could be a lowering of belief, spirits & a mental acceptance that "THIS" Barça is unbeatable & thus the Liga could be in danger,  & with it the whole "Real Madrid Temple". Exaggerated? Yes, it could be.


Time for Real Madrid to gather forces as next weeks Sevilla FC LIGA match is now VITAL ( more important than yesterdays Clasico) , & to rebuild the Temple. If there is any Club in the World that can rebuild itself again & again, that is Real Madrid, that is its greatness.

There is another opportunity to catch the train to Mt.Olympus & that is April 2012 in the next "Clasico" where things - if done well & if lessons learnt - could be the place for the ultimate expression of the Football paradise for Real Madrid , convert mortals into Football Gods, & prove me wrong. An easy endevour,  as "Football" has no memory.


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PRE-MATCH REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA | STARTING 11 LINE-UPS ?

Big day in SPANISH FOOTBALL,  & in World Football, as two giants meet in the SPANISH LEAGUE to attempt to shift , or retain,  the "Balance of Power". Tonight at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium" at 22.00 (hrs) REAL MADRID CF hosts FC BARCELONA in the first of this LIGA season "Clasico" games.

A win here by Real Madrid would give them a 9 point advantage over their arch rivals & set them on course with an enormous psychological / moral boost onto the LIGA title. A FC Barcelona victory would set things back in line - that they are the Best Club in the World - sink psychologically Real Madrid & cut back Madrid´s current 6 point lead. This & fly off to Japan in the highest of spirits to attempt to win the "FIFA Clubs Championship"  

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA 2011

The big questions & debates pre-match here are mostly all tactical. Will Mourinho play with 3 defensive midfielders? Which forward will play - Higuain or Benzema? Will Real Madrid attack? Will Barcelona play with 3 defenders in a 3 - 4 - 3 system? Will Villa play or Alexis? The questions are long & many.

Spanish Sports paper "Marca" put the above front cover today with what they believe may be the possible "starting 11 line-ups" of both Real Madrid & FC Barcelona. Pure speculation at this stage & we will all have to wait & see minutes before the match. What is assured are surprises.

So, enjoy the spectacular & the biggest game of World Football tonight.  Spanish Football Sports will post up a summary , result, scorers & images late tonight- early morning

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