CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | REAL MADRID WINS - VALENCIA CF LOSSES

UEFA Champions League week with two Spanish Football Clubs scheduled for Group games. Here is a brief summary of events, goalscorers & final results.

REAL MADRID travelled to Italy to play AC ROMA for Group superiority. The result of the early match between the Groups other two teams (Moscow 1-Viktoria 2) had secured the passage into the next phase of the Champions League to both sides. However a victory for Real Madrid would secure top spot & at least shake off a series of bad performances in the domestic competition to wash their image. The final result a victory for REAL MADRID by two goals, a result somewhat deceiving as AC Roma missed some very clear goal opportunities which could have changed the final scoreline.

Real Madrid only began to find their Football in the second half after scoring the opener from a terrible Roma defensive mistake in the 47th min that BALE managed to take advantage & score from a Roma defender "assist". With Real Madrid lifted in confidence & Roma leaving spaces in midfield & in defence to look for the draw, a marvellous cross into the square found Benzema who headed the ball into the path of LUCAS VAZQUEZ who scored the team's second goal in the 59th min. From here onward ROMA created some more chances but as all night, missed very clear opportunities.
The news of the night in reference to Real Madrid, apart from their victory, was that ISCO was left out of the team for a 6th time in a row. Speculation is high that the Spanish International is out of favour with Coach Santiago Solari & that the doors have opened up for Isco to find another Club. Two names are sounding, Manchester City & Napoles.

FINAL RESULT: AC ROMA 0 - REAL MADRID 2

VALENCIA CF travelled to Turin (Italy) to face JUVENTUS FC in a must win match if they were to have any chance of advancing into the next stage of Champions League. The Spanish Club put in a brave performance during the first half but were grinded down from a more experience & quality Italian side that scored through MANDZUKIC in the 59th min after a grand Cristiano Ronaldo assist.

Valencia had a golden goal opportunity at the end of the 1ºst half when defender DIAKHABY headed towards goal but the Juventus goalie Szcezsny pulled off a superb save to keep out Valencia.

In the second half apart from the Juventus goal relatively early, the Italians did what they do best, defending & keeping control of the match while Valencia kept trying all they could under the circumstances. News had come through from the other Group match that Manchester United had scored against Young Boys & the English victory had shut the Champions League door on Valencia CF.

FINAL RESULT: JUVENTUS FC 1 - VALENCIA CF 0

Tomorrow Champions League action continues with the other two Spanish Football Club representative, Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona, down for their Group matches.

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VALENCIA CF & REAL MADRID CF WIN | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the last remaining two Spanish Football representatives scheduled for their Group matches. Here are a brief summary of the main events, the goalscorers & the final results.

VALENCIA CF hosted YOUNG BOYS in a must win situation if they were to keep alive any chance of passing onto the next phase of Champions League in this very complicated & difficult Group. Above is the list of the starting 11 line-ups for both sides (see image)

Valencia CF suffered the first 45 mins but the two goals from SANTI MINA in the 14th & 42nd min gave the locals the goal advantage, even though Young Boys through ASSALE drew in the 37th min with his goal.

Valencia CF continued with their offensive style in the 2º half & managed to open an important gap in the result when CARLOS SOLER scored in the 56th min. Young Boys had to open up & find goal scoring opportunities but were frustrated in their attempts by a more organized & determined Valencia CF. The visitors suffered a serious set back in the 77th min when Sanogo for Young Boys was sent off with a red card leaving the visitors with 10 men. This made it difficult for Young Boys to attempt to crawl back the result & opened the road for an important & vital Valencia CF victory.

FINAL RESULT: Valencia CF 3 - Young Boys 1

REAL MADRID travelled to VIKTORIA PLZEN with new Coach Solari & here too a must win situation to lift teamS confidence & not complicate the Clubs ambitions of passing onto the next stage. Coach Solari surprised leaving regular Champions League goalkeeper Keylor Navas on the bench, along with Asensi & Modric. You can see the full starting line-up above (see image)

Real Madrid started nervous but gradually lifted to find their Football & dominate to end the first half with a 0 - 4 result. The goals came in rapid succession with BENZEMA scoring a beauty in the 20th min, CASEMIRO from a corner with a header in the 23rd min, BENZEMA again in the 37th min & BALE in the 40th min to put things in line towards victory. 

With a firm 4 goal advantage Real Madrid made some changes early through the second half: Javier Sanchez (for Sergio Ramos), Vinicius (for Benzema) & Isco (for Toni Kroos). To the credit of Viktoria Plzen they attempted to keep attacking & at least get some goals back from pride & for the home fans. They nearly managed to get their prize as some good goal chance were created. However, just before being substituted, TONI KROOS best player on the night, scored a wonderful 67th min chipped fifth goal from a Vinicius pass that took the wind out of the Plzen sails. From here till the end Real Madrid controlled things & even have a goal disallowed from Lucas Vazquez in the last minute. Good & needed victory for the Spanish Club.

FINAL RESULT: Viktoria Plzen 0 - Real Madrid CF 5 

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REAL MADRID SQUAD MOST VALUABLE IN WORLD SOCCER

Spanish Football Club Real Madrid is currently the most valuable team in the World (players wise). If we analyse the current market value of their players - data obtained from website "Transfermarkt" (online reference in the assessment of footballers), Real Madrid has managed to revalue their squad in 30 million euros this year. 

Real Madrid has jumped from 685,8 million € to a number closer to the 716 M€. The current valuation of the 23 players which complete the current 2015-2016 squad under Coach Rafael Benitez breaks the barrier of 700 million €. Despite finally not signing Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, which would have lifted further the economic value, Real Madrid CF stays at the head of the 10 teams with more value in the World Soccer. 

Also the Spanish Football Club tops the list with "Best value per player on average": 32.5M€. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Karim Benzema, Tony Kroos, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric & the rest are the "Jewels in the Crown", six World Stars that put Real Madrid CF at the top of the podium. They field an eleven with players where they can boast the highest price of the market.

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REAL MADRID GONZALO HIGUAIN TO ARSENAL FC FOR 27M€ ?

According to news out of South American media ( Fox Sports Latin ) Real Madrid Argentine International forward Gonzalo Higuain has an agreement with English Premier League Club Arsenal FC for the next three seasons. The news source goes further publishing that Higuain will fly into London tomorrow to pass the medical check & sign his new contract.

The father of the player ( & representative ) comments that he has permission from Real Madrid to negotiate with Arsenal. The transfer figure is said to be around 27M€ & will make Higuain one of the better paid players within the Arsenal squad.

However, there is no official statement from Real Madrid & personally it seems strange that the negotiations are being said to be handled by the father of Higuain. Plus the 27M€ seems low for the calibre of player in question.

Said this, I would advise caution with this news piece & wait until tomorrow or the coming days to get the official confirmation from both Clubs. Lets not forget that the player also had an apparent agreement with Italian Club Juventus.
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REAL MADRID | "THE WAR OF SUCCESSION"

Geographically the Iberian Peninsula has a frontier ( a political line ) that separates the Nation-states of SPAIN & PORTUGAL. Today Spanish paper "El Confidencial Digital" publishes that his same fact occurs within the REAL MADRID CF dressing room. That there is a Spanish faction lead by Iker Casillas with Sergio Ramos, Arbeloa & Albiol mainly & a Portuguese faction lead by Cristiano Ronaldo with Pepe, Coentrao & Calvalho mainly. 

Spain-Portugal Map

However, as childish as this many all sound between grown men & Football professionals there is more juicy bits to get your rumour nerve stimulated. Iker Casillas & Cristiano Ronaldo cannot stand each other & their respective girlfriends also are in the act. Some think that Casillas journalist girlfriend , Sara Carbonera, is the "supergrass" ( the whistle blower) of what happens internally in the Real Madrid dressing room.

There´s more, that the "Portuguese Clan" think that the "Spanish Clan" are not thinking Football with their minds elsewhere , while the "Spaniards" believe that Coach Mourinho favours the "Portuguese" sector.

The UEFA prize to FC Barcelona player Andres Iniesta also added salt to the wounds, in this case the Portuguese sector, when the Spanish players expressed their "joy" for their Spanish Natiuonal Team-mate. Lastly, Marcelo ignited the dynamite box when he publicly recognized that he would give the "FIFA Golden Ball" to Casillas. This was seen as "high treason" as Marcelo was a "gang member" of the Portuguese clan. 

Sound childish? Sounds like a bunch of immature, overpaid & selfish pack of ungrateful brats who can´t see the World beyond their "dressing room" lockers. Said this, it could all be an exaggeration & simply "bullshit" the type the media love to play in.

Either way, as I have always said, while the team wins things will roll. It is only when the team loses when all the shit hits the fan. Spanish & Portuguese shit , must smell the same.

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REAL MADRID CF SEASON 2012 - 2013

This post goes out to all the REAL MADRID CF fans & readers. Couple of days back I posted a FC Barcelona team photo taken at one of their recent friendly warm-up matches, & to "even things up"  today I post a Real Madrid team photo from one of their last friendly matches. 

Take note that some players are missing & they are most likely to be starters, e.g. Marcelo  

Real Madrid CF

Also with so much being talked about the incorporation of Luka Modric etc,  & what will be the ideal 11 for Coach José Mourinho, Spanish Sports newspaper "Marca"  have whipped up the below image of what they think will be the idea 11 for season 2012-2013. This obviously will change as the season moves on, as players get injured & others will be given rest.

So there you are "merengues" your team photo & possible idea 11 for this new season.

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TRANSFER RUMOURS | REAL MADRID LOOKS AT LUCAS MOURA

REAL MADRID CF Coach Jose Mourinho was spotted tonight watching the Denmark - Brazil match played in Hamburg (Germany). That is, he flew from Turkey to watch specifically this game, or his player Marcelo. This would be the obvious reason, but others have interpreted this for another Brazilian player that is said to interest Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho

Neymar is old news as it all points that he will end up at FC Barcelona. The player that now interests Real Madrid is SAO PAULO 19 year old midfielder LUCAS MOURA. The player has been sounding for months & the price tag put on the player is high, a cool 50M€. The Spanish Football Club is working to bring that figure in line with real "expectations", there expectations of course, but more affordable.

Stay tuned!

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REAL MADRID 4 CSKA MOSCOW 1 | REAL INTO THE CHAMPIONS QUARTER FINALS

REAL MADRID CF goes into next Fridays CHAMPIONS LEAGUE quarter-final draw after winning CSKA MOSCOW 4 - 1 ( 5- 2 aggregate) in the 2º leg match. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Russians initially set up their "standard" tight defence & awaited Real Madrid to practice their counter-attacking Football. It nearly paid off for them as they had two-three excellent chances to get ahead. However, Real Madrid kept at their touch game with quick break aways & Kaka with Ozil began managing things, these players along with Xabi Alonso. The equalizer came via HIGUAIN in the 26th min from a Khedira pass that found  Kaka who then found the Argentine in the small goal square. Then in the 35th min CRISTIANO RONALDO surprised everyone with an outside shot the the Moscow goalie fumbled, obviously surprised as well,  as the ball did a sudden change in direction & dropping to bounce suddenly violently.

Benzema scores for Real Madrid 

Control Football from Madrid in the 2º half with more chances arising until in the 69th min Higuain was substituted for BENZEMA who scored a minute later. A better comeback from injury impossible for the Frenchman.

This relaxed the Spanish side & the Russians lifted a gear to find a consolation goal in the 78th min via TOSIC that was a "beauty" beating Casillas. Real then passed a difficult period as the Russians looked for another & Coach Mourinho had to strengthened the midfield changing Ozil for Lass to secure things & lessen the obvious dangers.

The last goal that finally sealed things & calmed the "nerves" came in the 94th min when Benzema facing the goalie 1 on 1 decided to pass to CRISTIANO RONALDO who was better positioned. Unselfish & team play from the Frenchman that earned him points in front of the home crowd with applause.

In conclusion, a relatively "comfortable" game & victory for Real Madrid with two distinct periods where Moscow put things difficult & awkward. Now Madrid must  await to figure which will be the next rival in Q/Finals for Madrid : Barça, Bayern, Milan,....etc
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REAL MADRID 110 YEARS OF FOOTBALL | HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Regular readers will know that my heart in Football ( Soccer ) matters is with Atletico de Madrid. However, here there is no fanatical devotion with the only solid support being to Sports, all Spanish Football & the fans around the World. 

Many millions of those mentioned fans & daily readers of Spanish Football Sports Blog are supporters of Real Madrid. Today the 6th of March of 2012 SPANISH FOOTBALL Club REAL MADRID CF celebrates its 110 years of existence as Football & Sporting institution.

Throughout this long period the Club has been honoured & named by FIFA the "Best Club in World Football of the 20th Century", has won 9 European Cups, 2 UEFA Cups, 31 Spanish League titles, 18 Spanish Cup titles ...along with many others. The Club has also had in its ranks as players World & Spanish Football legends Alfredo Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento, Figo, Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo & now Cristiano Roanldo; just to mention a few names.


To Real Madrid & to all their fans around the World, HAPPY 110 YEAR BIRTHDAY

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IFFHS | FC BARCELONA BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD FEBRUARY 2012

The FIFA backed "International Federation of Fooball History & Statistics" (IFFHS) has released it monthly ranking of "The Best Football Club in World Football" for Febuary 2012. The big gainer from the previous month is Argentine Football Club Velez Sarfield which has not lost a game during the month.


At the top of the list are Spanish Football Clubs FC BARCELONA at Nº1 - again - & second placed is REAL MADRID CF. Other Spanish Football Clubs to note are Atletico de Madrid at Nº 15, Athletic Club Bilbao at Nº22, Valencia Cf at Nº32 & Villareal at Nº70 spot.

FC Barcelona - Real Madrid CF 2012

Here is the full Top 10 list by the IFFHS:


1. FC Barcelona Spain 369,0 pts
2. Real Madrid CF Spain 292,0
3. CA Vélez Sarsfield Argentina 291,0
4. Manchester United FC England 255,0
5. Manchester City FC England 251,0
6. CD Universidad de Chile Chile 245,0
7. CD Universidad Católica Chile 232,5
8. Santos FC Brazil 231,0
9. FC Schalke 04 Germany 230,0
10. Club Libertad Asunción Paraguay 227,5


15. Club Atlético de Madrid Spain 210,0
22. Athletic Club de Bilbao Spain 186,0
32. Valencia CF Spain 178,0
70. Villarreal CF Spain 136,0

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FOOTBALL FINANCE | REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA TOP INCOME EARNERS IN WORLD FOOTBALL

The prestigious International Consulting firm Deloitte has released its yearly study of the World Football Clubs with highest income generation for season 2010-2011. For the third year running both REAL MADRID CF & FC BARCELONA lead the list of top income generating Clubs. The tendency is that FC Barcelona has experienced a jump in income that has to do with their "winning ways", Global brand expansion & thus increased sponsorhip & overseas TV rights. So much has been the Barça income "improvements" that "Deloitte" has predicted that if things continue FC Barcelona could overtake Real Madrid CF next year.


For Real Madrid it is its seventh year consecutive as the Worlds Nº1 income generating Football Club, & thus a money making machine to always take into account.

Florentino Perez (Real Madrid) - Sandro Rosell (FC Barcelona)

The Deloitte Top list of income generating Clubs for 2010/2011 season:


.1. (.1) Real Madrid 479,5 millions of Euros
.2. (.2) FC Barcelona 450,7
.3. (.3) Manchester United 367
.4. (.4) Bayern Munich 321,4
.5. (.5) Arsenal 251,1
.6. (.6) Chelsea 249,8
.7. (.7) AC Milán 235,1
.8. (.9) Inter de Milán 211,4
.9. (.8) Liverpool 203,3
10. (16) Schalke 04 202,4
11. (12) Tottenham 181
12. (11) Manchester City 169,6
13. (10) Juventus 153,9
14. (15) Olympique de Marsella 150,4
15. (18) AS Roma 143,5
16. (n/e)Borussia Dortmund 138,5
17. (14) Olympique de Lyon 132,8
18. (13) Hamburgo 128,7
19. (n/e)Valencia 116,8
20. (n/e)Nápoles 114,9
.......
22. (17) Atlético de Madrid 99,9.

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REAL MADRID HIGHEST INCOME GENERATING CLUB IN THE WORLD

Italian Sports paper "La Gazetta dello Sport" yesterday published the list of Top money generating Clubs in World Football. The top two are SPANISH FOOTBALL Clubs & Spanish Sports paper "Marca" has taken the report & published it today in their edition.

REAL MADRID C.F is the Football Club with most income ( generated by Football & its various spin-off activities) in the World, ahead of FC BARCELONA. English giants Manchester United & Arsenal follow, along with Italian Clubs AC Milan & Inter Milan. Below is the list of the first 6 Clubs with their income figures.

INCOME FOR SEASON 2010/11:

1.Real Madrid - 480 Million
2.FC Barcelona - 447 M
3.Manchester United - 367 M
4.Arsenal - 283 M
5.AC Milan - 228 M
6.Inter de Milán - 217 M

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REAL MADRID | WELCOME BACK KAKA

REAL MADRID Brazilian midfielder is back. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, alias KAKÁ, has suffered his time in the Desert just as Jesus, but his was a Football Desert & 16 months away from the National team. Today Kaka received the news that "officially" collaborates his "resurrection", with BRAZIL Coach Mano Menezes calling the player for two upcoming International Friendly games.

Kaká

The player will be obviously happy, but his Spanish Football Club REAL MADRID is delighted to finally have the player with the 68M€ price tag performing close to his best & scoring goals. The Brazilian has regained form & has sat on the bench regular midfield starter Ozil. Lets hope & wish that the recovering continues for Kaká as all World Football fans will be delighted to see again all your skills, & that the "injury clouds" finally blow away.

Congratulations Ricardo!

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SPANISH FOOTBALL | REAL MADRID Nº 6 IN FORBES TOP 50 MOST VALUABLE TEAM LIST

SPANISH FOOTBALL is dominated by REAL MADRID. At least in the economic & financial league according to the prestigious Financial magazine Forbes . The American source published its "TOP 50 World Most Valuable Teams" List for 2011. Although the list highlights Teams from all types of Sports around the globe, a Football Club dominates the list at Number 1, that is English Football Club MANCHESTER UNITED raking in 1.84 Billion US$. 

Real Madrid - Spanish Cup 2011

Spanish Football Giant REAL MADRID is placed sixth as the next Football Club with an impressive 1.32 Billion US$ generating cash machine. The list then does see another Football Club until Nº 8 with Arsenal high up & then it hits another Spanish Football giant FC Barcelona which is in the Number 25. There are no more Spanish Clubs after Barça or in the Top 50, which clearly highlights the power of both Real Madrid & FC Barcelona locally & the former on the World Sports stage.

Here is the full "Forbes" list of the Top 50 World Teams in value terms:

1. Manchester United ($1.84 billion)
2. Dallas Cowboys ($1.65 billion)
3. New York Yankees ($1.6 billion)
4. Washington Redskins ($1.55 billion)
5. New England Patriots ($1.36 billion)
6. Real Madrid ($1.32 billion)
7. New York Giants ($1.18 billion)
8. Arsenal ($1.18 billion)
9. New York Jets ($1.17 billion)
10. Houston Texans ($1.15 billion)
11. Philadelphia Eagles
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13. Chicago Bears
14. Denver Broncos
15. Baltimore Ravens
16. Ferrari Racing
17. Carolina Panthers
18. Cleveland Browns
19. Kansas City Chiefs
20. Indianapolis Colts
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Green Bay Packers
23. Miami Dolphins
24. Tennessee Titans
25. FC Barcelona
26. Seattle Seahawks
27. Bayern Munchen
28. Cincinnati Bengals
29. New Orleans Saints
30. Arizona Cardinals
31. San Diego Chargers
32. St. Louis Rams
33. Buffalo Bills
34. San Francisco 49ers
35. Boston Red Sox
36. Detroit Lions
37. Jacksonville Jaguars
38. New York Mets
39. Atlanta Falcons
40. Minnesota Vikings
41. Liverpool FC
42. McLaren Mercedes Racing
43. AC Milan
44. Oakland Raiders
45. L.A. Dodgers
46. Chicago Cubs
47. Juventus
48. Chelsea FC
49. L.A. Lakers
50. New York Knicks
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REAL MADRID SIGNS FABIO COENTRAO FOR 30M€ (20€)

News circulating locally & awaiting an final official announcement from REAL MADRID indicates that 23 year old Portuguese International & BENFICA player FABIO COENTRAO will be signed at any moment. In fact,  media announce total agreement from all parts as the player passed the obligatory medical exam this morning. Benefica has also informed the Portuguese Stock Exchange that they have an agreement with Real Madrid to transfer the player. 

Coentrao

The agreement is 30M€ plus the transfer of Real Madrid defender Ezequiel Garay, the last being valued at 10M€ plus the loan of Drenthe ( this last according to "Marca"). This makes it a 20M€ in cash 10M€ with Garay ( + Drenthe on loan) = 30M€


The final details are currently being shut at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium" offices & the official announcement is just a matter of hours, barring a last minute disaster that media assures will not occur.

Welcome to Spanish Football Mr. Coentrao!

LATEST: 17.30: Real Madrid announce officially the transfer. The player signs for 6 years.

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REAL MADRID TRANSFER GOSSIP | CHELSEA FC WANTS COENTRAO - PEPE

spain football
A " visual surf" through the local Spanish Football Sports press this morning brings out this story that originally hit the headlines last Friday & today gets a more detailed analysis. According to Portugues Sports paper "Record" BENFICA defender COENTRAO had a heavy verbal debate with his Coach & stormed off the training session last Thursday. This has been interpreted as an act of "rebellion" by the player who is frustrated because his desire to be transferred to REAL MADRID has gone into "stalemate" mode this pass week.

Real Madrid offers 15M€ plus a player,  while Benfica wishes 30M€, here is the obstacle & Coentrao is nervous & unsettled as he sees time go by & both Clubs unable to soften postures.

Coentrao

However, news from Spanish Football Sports paper "AS" adds light today claiming that another important factor explains the players "aggressive" attitude in that it appears that Benfica has accepted the CHELSEA FC offer which does puts the 30M€ as asked by the Club. New Chelsea Coach Villa- Boas wishes to incorporate Coentrao in his future plans, but the player has only eyes for Real Madrid,  thus Benfica & Chelsea cannot shut the operation.

The players strategy is to force Benfica into accepting the Real Madrid offer,  & he has until the 31st of August to keep turning the screws. Stay tuned.

Pepe

Staying with CHELSEA FC, Spanish Football Sports paper "Marca" publish today that REAL MADRID defender PEPE is on the list of new Chelsea Coach Villa-Boas. According to the paper the English Club will be prepared to offer Pepe a 5 year contract earning 5M€ per season.

Beforehand, one suspects that it will be very difficult to get Pepe over to London. What I suspect is that Chelsea is "fishing" with the "over-booking" situation of defenders at Real Madrid & that the Spanish Club may consider the English option if the offer is sufficiently attractive money wise. Plus it is reported ( although I cannot confirm) that Pepe came to an agreement to renew his contract with Real Madrid this season but has yet to sign the official document, thus leaving a door open.

Although as mentioned, looks more a thought from Chelsea´s part than reality. Plus I don´t discard a players agent manoeuvre to "pressure" a bit more Real Madrid. Said all this, anything is possible in Football. Stay tuned.
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FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID TRANSFER RUMOURS - SIGNINGS 2011 | DIRTY FILTHY TALK

Thought I give readers today a brief run down of the hot rumours & gossip doing the SPANISH FOOTBALL circles at this moment, & that are taking up pages in the local Spanish Sports papers.  As habitual, the two Football Clubs that take up most of the talk are FC Barcelona & Real Madrid with both full of "juicy back room" talk & exaggerated assertions. However, before we launch into local "transfer talks" allow me to remind you that they are just that, dirty & filthy local gossip :O) 

Rossi of Villareal

The hottest rumour in town is that VILLAREAL Italian-American foward ROSSI is very close to shutting a deal with FC BARCELONA. The 18 goals this season in La Liga by the Italian International has won over Barça Coach Guardiola who sees Rossi as a great addition for Barça next season. The rumour is so hot, that some obversers have bravely gone on a limb to say the Rossi has an "agreement" with Barça, & that now Villareal has to put a price & sell. I would not go so far, but I do say that this piece of news has been lingering for weeks & that it gets stronger all the time. Stay tuned! 

Thiago of AC Milan

News that has jump into the Spanish Sports press is the possible interest of FC BARCELONA in AC MILAN Brazilian International defender THIAGO SILVA. With Barça defender Gaby Milito leaving, Carles Puyol now a veteran with knee concerns & Adibal just recovered from cancer surgery, Barça needs a new signing for the defence & Silva Thiago  is the rumoured chosen one. The price is not cheap, around 25M€, & AC Milan will certainly have something to say in all this process.

To end with Barça, Cesc Fabregas keeps sounding for the midfield. 

Lass Diarra of Real Madrid

REAL MADRID is the Club that many consider is the next destination of Argentine International & Atletico de Madrid star SERGIO AGUERO, but his 45M€ + signing price means some current Real Madrid players will need to go in order to help finance the operation.

One of those tipped to leave is midfielder LASS DIARRA. Coach Mourinho wishes the Frenchman to stay, but Lass wants a permanent playing spot & with new signings Sahin & Antiltop coming, he sees himself sitting again on the bench next season more than he wishes. Thus, the player is seriously listening to offers from JUVENTUS & MANCHESTER UNITED, the latter being rumoured as a personal preference. 

Gonzalo Higuain for Real Madrid

If Sergio Aguero was indeed to arrive ( not at all certain) to Real Madrid, the Club would have to let go one of its current forwards. Benzema is linked to Arsenal, but the Frenchmen does not wish to move & Adebayor looks like returning back to Manchester City if the latter does not drop the players 17M€ price tag to around 8M€. This leaves GONZALO HIGUAIN who has Italian Club JUVENTUS very interested & may make a "mega offer" to convince Real Madrid & player.

Said this, I doubt Higuain will leave & if I had to bet on a forward leaving the Club, I would bet on Adebayor at this moment. That is, if Sergio Aguero does fulfil the talk of many local media observers who say his next destination is Real Madrid.

Lastly, young Real Madrid midfielder SERGIO CANALES is sounding for Villareal & defender GARAY is sound for Benfica ( to help lower the cost of Benfica defender COENTRAO)

Stay tuned!
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THE REAL MADRID CHRISTMAS PRESENT | KAKÁ

Kaka running today with group at
Real Madrid training.

KAKÁ is the Christmas present that Santa Claus has brought to REAL MADRID CF. The Brazilian is back training with the team & running. The training is light & no risks will be taken as the Club & the Brazilian star wish to come back in 100% conditions. If things keep going as scheduled Kaká will be able to sit on the Real Madrid bench end of January 2011 & may then begin to get the much needed playing minutes to gradually go increasing & back to top form again. Nice to see you back Kaká! Tweet

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THE BATTLE OF MOLINON | SPORTING GIJON vs REAL MADRID | 2010

Spanish Football Sports thought its readers who like to see this video shown this afternoon on Spanish TV "Cuarto" that captured the intensity of the Real Sporting de Gijon vs Real Madrid game last Sunday which Real Madrid won 0 -1. Here you can clearly see the hostile atmosphere - & at times real hate - spewed out by the local crowd & the fury of the Sporting Gijon players towards the visitors. Real Madrid didn´t hide & added their own bit of "wood" to the already fire, via Higuain, Pepe & Ronaldo. Real Madrid Captain Iker Casillas had to come out during the game to the midfield to insist that everyone play Football & forget the crowd & their provocations. Unique view on the ground level not seen by the normal spectator:



Another video with another perspective:



Cuarto TV titled this report "The Battle of Molinon" ( Molinon is the name of the Gijon stadium). Tweet

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EL CLASICO 2010 | FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID CF | 28 NOV - 21.00 HRS LOOKS LIKE THE SOLUTION

I can finally - 90% - answer the question from SFS readers of which date & time the FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID CF match - "El Clasico" - will be played. The various options have been studied & the Monday option looks like it will not happen. Saturday is the day of "political reflexion" before the Catalonia Parliament elections & no political promotion or insinuation is permitted by law. Thus Sunday - 28 th of November - at 21.00 HRS looks like the date & time, as the electoral boxes shut at 20.00.

The Clasico 

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