In what is set to be one of Jose Mourinho’s final games in charge of Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager aims to bow out of Spain on a high as he so usually does by beating arch rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final. ‘The Special One’ has led Real to one league title, one Super Copa and a Copa del Rey already in his three years in charge but defeat would mean he ends the season trophyless for the first time in five years. Atletico meanwhile will be vying to overturn their horrific record against Real having not beaten their neighbours in over 13 years. (more…)
Copa del Rey Final Preview
Pellegrini denies City link but reports suggest a move is imminent
Despite a weekend of mounting speculation, Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has denied claims he has already signed a contract to become Manchester City’s new manager, replacing Roberto Mancini who is expected to be sacked within the next few days. Pellegrini spoke after Malaga’s 0-0 draw in the derby with Sevilla on Sunday and, contrary to the media reports, refused to give details of any links to the Manchester club.
“I categorically deny that I am the new Manchester City manager,” Pellegrini said on the official Malaga website. “Nothing has been signed and no agreement reached”. (more…)
Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 200 Madrid goals – a visual representation
During Real Madrid’s 6-2 thumping of Malaga last night Cristiano Ronaldo managed to reach 200 goals for the illustrious club with a neat goal from an indirect free-kick. The Portuguese striker managed to reach the total in just 197 games having joined the club just four seasons ago from Manchester United. Despite rumours linking Ronaldo with a move away from the Bernabeu back to Old Trafford, Madrid’s number 7 will go down in history as one of the club’s finest ever strikers. Here is a graphical representation of his 200 strikes. (more…)
Mourinho exit rumours put Chelsea’s Roman on red alert
José Mourinho could well have reached the end of his tenure at Real Madrid, considered by many as the world’s biggest club, with his third exit at the semi-final stage of the Champions League against Borussia Dotmund on Tuesday.
The dream of winning la Décima, the tenth, European Cup will have to wait another year, but the weight of expectation would appear to have buckled the back of the self proclaimed “special one”. (more…)
Camp Nou clamours for another epic night of pride
The dream of an all Spanish Champions League final ended last night with Real Madrid’s elimination from the competition by 4 goals to 3 on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid had a good opening 15 minute spell and an heroic last 8 minutes that would have seen them through with one more goal. Alas it wasn’t to be and apart from those short spells at either end of last night’s 90 minutes, Dortmund were the better side over the two legs and deserved to go through.
F.C. Barcelona will face an even harder task this evening in the 2nd leg of their semi final against the newly crowned German champions, Bayern Munich. The first leg at the Allianz Arena, just over a week ago, ended with a 4-0 humiliation of the Catalans. (more…)
Can the ghosts of the past inspire a Real Madrid fightback?
After their defeats at the hands of the top two in Germany last week, the Spanish big two must produce comebacks of epic proportions if they are to realise their dreams of a Clásico final at Wembley in the Champions League showpiece event.
For tonight’s match against Borussia Dortmund, a communication went out to all Real Madrid club members asking them to wear their white shirts and have their Madrid scarves at the ready to create as much of a hostile atmosphere in an attempt to intimidate their teutonic opponents.
The current Spanish champions will rely on memories of great battling comebacks on nights of European glory at the Bernabéu. Players such as Camacho, Pirri, Butragueño, Santillana and probably most famously Juanito will be used as a means of inspiring the memories of great nights for the Spanish capital club. (more…)
Malaga’s Isco linked with Manchester City move
With the current season drawing to a close there has been much speculation over player ins and outs in recent days. Málaga Club de Fútbol have been no exception in this circumstance with their star player, Isco, having been linked with two clubs. His Manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has also been linked with a move away from the Costa del Sol side and it could be all change for the club nicknamed the Boquerones.
Isco is one of the hottest properties in European football and his Golden Boy award, the Under 21 equivalent of the Ballon D’Or, this year came as no surprise following his performances for Málaga over the past few seasons. (more…)
Pellegrini in the frame for Chelsea and City jobs
Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to be heading to the Premier League next season following a meeting between the Jesus Martinez, the Chilean’s agent, and Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football. Pellegrini has expressed his desire to leave in subtle comments throughout the season, keen to avoid causing offence to Malaga fans and players whilst continuing their push for the top four, but has become increasingly frustrated at the ongoing problems with wage payments. After leading Malaga to minutes of a Champions League semi-final, Pellegrini will be a much sought after man in the close season. (more…)
Amazing Abidal set to start at the Allianz Arena
Éric Abidal is set to start tonight’s Champions League semi-final clash for F.C. Barcelona against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Germany. A defensive injury crisis at the Catalan club has thrust the Frenchman back into Tito Vilanova’s plans much sooner than expected.
Injuries to captain Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano, along with the lack of European playing time at the heart of defence of Marc Bartra and Alex Song has placed Abidal, with his wealth of experience, at the forefront of the coaching staff’s thoughts. (more…)
The Battle against the Drop – who will stay up?
It has become a yearly occurrence for the bottom of Spain’s premier division to take us until the final day to find out who has the privilege of hosting Real Madrid and Barcelona again in the next campaign, usually providing much greater excitement than the title race. This year is no different as Barcelona have all but sealed the league championship from Real Madrid, boasting a massive 13 point gap, whilst at the foot of the table six teams are battling for another season in the top flight. Athletic Bilbao are just about safe by our predictions so the three relegation spots are most likely to be filled (more…)
