Real Madrid 3 - 0 Ajax Amsterdam (UCL Day 2)

Real Madrid defeated Ajax 3-0 in their first Champions League match at the Bernabeu this season. The victory served the Whites to remain leaders in Group D. Kaka gave a stellar performance, scoring the team's second goal and assisting Benzema in the third.

Great performances by Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo

Ozil and Kaka made the starting lineup. Arbeloa replaced Marcelo, who was suspended for the match, and Varane took the injured Pepe's spot. Boerrigter forced Casillas to make an impressive save only 45 seconds into the game. The Whites reacted and Benzema nearly scored an opener from inside the box on the 16-minute mark, but his shot was off target. The most impressive effort of the evening came in the 24th minute: Ramos stole the ball and passed it to Ozil, who then served it to Cristiano; the Portuguese player gave it to Kaka and the Brazilian sent it back Ronaldo's way; the striker gave it to Ozil, who in turn passed it to Benzema in order to assist Cristiano inside the box in the team's first goal.

Ajax suffered from this spectacular team effort and they hardly left they're half of the pitch then onwards. De Boer's men hardly pressurised the Whites and it proved to be a fatal mistake. The locals scored their second strike on the 40-minute mark: Alonso served a long pass to Ronaldo and he passed it to Kaka, who was approaching the area line and managed to score a beauty.

Real tallied their third and final goal in the 48th minute: Arbeloa entered the box and passed the ball to Kaka, who avoided the goalkeeper's exit before leaving the ball for Benzema to send to the back of the net. Kaka's performance was truly spectacular and was replaced amidst a standing ovation by Di Maria in the 74th minute.

Benzema had to leave the pitch at the same time due to an injury and was replaced by Higuain. Ajax hardly had any chances on Casillas' goal, but the few they managed to pull off really put Casillas' reflexes to the test. The keeper was forced to prodigiously save a header by Vertonghen, proving yet again why he is considered to be the best in the world.

The final minutes of the encounter saw Hamit Altintop making his debut with the team now that he has recovered from his back injury. It was the perfect ending to a magical night at the Bernabeu.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 75,500
Goals: 1-0, min.25 Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-0, min.40: Kaka; 3-0, min.48: Benzema.

UEFA will not punish Cristiano Ronaldo

The Disciplinary Commission of the UEFA will not punish Cristiano Ronaldo for his statements after the match against Dynamo Zagreb in which he described as "shameful" the performance of the Norwegian referee Oddavar Moen.

The UEFA delegate's report did not include statements by the Portuguese footballer, so that the Commission will not evaluate the statements of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid striker may play the next matches of the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Successful sales of the Real Madrid red shirt

Yesterday was the date chosen, the day of the Champions League debut for Real Madrid and Adidas to sell the great novelty this season. And the Madrid fans, after much anticipation, have responded. The new red shirt, the second kit in the Champions League, is liked by the fans.

Real Madrid fan with the red shirt

The first day of sale was a success. The Bernabeu Stadium Shop registered, all day, much more movement than usual. The trickle of people to get with the new shirt was continuous. "For weeks people wondering when we would put it on sale. They really wanted to buy", recognized a store clerk. The price, 75 euros. On the shelves, the most popular shirts (Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Özil). The rest of the names are screen printed at the time. The demand was such that, in just two hours, the red pants (less in stock) were sold out.

"It is original, different", coincided almost all fans. "It will be the shirt of the Tenth. We will be lucky", was the phrase most often repeated. Eduardo, a veteran white supporter, was delighted: "I ​​like it. With it, we back to the seventies". In the same way, Alfonso said: "In my earliest memories I saw Real Madrid play in Kiev with the red shirt". Not everyone was satisfied, "It breaks with the tradition", said Jose. But he added: "I hope to help us win the Champions League". That is the wish of all white fans. Now, also reds.

UEFA could punish Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is haunted by the problems. The Portugal international player finished the Champions League match against Dynamo Zagreb lame after his right ankle was stitched into the locker room. The Real Madrid player ended up very angry and after the match did not hesitate to criticize the match's referee. That fact could be punished by the UEFA.

Less than a month ago, Arsene Wenger was suspended two matches by a statement similar to the Cristiano Ronaldo made ​​this Wednesday night in Zagreb: "It is important to have a good start in the Champions League. We are very happy with three points we took, but I am not so satisfied with the refereeing. I hope we never have this referee again. People talk of fair-play, of protecting good players, but I never get any of that. I don't understand a thing. I'm sad because I hear referees saying they will protect skilful players, but while some are untouchable it seems I can be mauled".

Furthermore, when was asked about the continuous whistles and insults suffered during the match, tried to explain: "I guess they boo me for being rich, handsome, being a great player... People are jealous of me. There is no other explanation".

Cristiano Ronaldo with the Real Madrid red shirt

Dinamo Zagreb 0 - 1 Real Madrid (UCL Day 1)

Real Madrid earned their first victory in this year's Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb with a goal by Angel Di Maria. Local goalkeeper Kelava saved the day many a time for Dinamo, preventing the Whites' goal count from being much larger. Real Madrid are leaders of Group D following the 0-0 draw between Ajax ad Olympique Lyonnais.

Angel Di María scored the only goal of the match

The Whites' lineup was identical as in the league clash against Getafe, but they were unusually clad in red tonight. Dinamo played a lively and fast game, trying to serve passes to their forwards behind the centre backs. But the trap that Real Madrid tends to their rivals is that the more are dominated, closer are to produce a counter-attack. And there is no better team to race. At the second shock, the opponent decides to go back a few meters and Real Madrid return to dominate the match. What happens next is that the white team gets the ball and feels protected, but misses running, life on the highway.

Madrid's first chance came when Benzema hit the crossbar after receiving a pass from Ronaldo on the 10-minute mark. Real's best chance so far arrived in the 28th minute when Benzema served the ball to Di Maria after a phenomenal individual effort. The Argentine shot on target, Kelava made a save, the ball landed at Ozil's feet and, again, the keeper cleared the shot by the German midfielder sending the ball to corner kick.

Pepe's solid work in defence kept things calm near goal, but Rukabina managed to overtake the defender on the 32-minute mark and forced Casillas two make a save in two steps. Marcelo faced Kelava in a one-on-one close to half-time, but his shot went over the crossbar.

Real Madrid tried harder for a goal in the second half and eventually found it in the 52nd minute through Di Maria after a great combination between Benzema and Marcelo, the latter assisting the Argentine in the strike. That the goal came on 52 minutes speaks highly of Croatian resistance and problems of Real Madrid to dominate the match. The first reason is that the Dinamo is not the weak team that was announced from the drum 4 in the draw. This is a young team, a mine for scouts, with the only problem that lacks a center forward or something like it. Kovacic, 17, is a delicious and agile midfielder. The Brazilian Sammir (24) is a player with knowledge of the game and Luis Ibanez (23) a deep side. Not to mention the goalkeeper, Kelava (23), ready to be a star. There are pieces, therefore, but lacks gunpowder.

Cristiano nearly scored a second one minutes later, but Kelava, managed to clear his shot with a stretch. Marcelo saw a second booking in the 72nd minute five minutes after the first. Real Madrid were down to ten men with 22 minutes left on the clock. Karanka decided to bring Lass and Higuain on for Di Maria and Ozil. Despite being one man down, Real nearly scored again through Benzema and Ramos, but the keeper saved the day for the locals yet again.

Dinamo put more pressure on the Whites and served many crosses into Casillas' box, but Pepe was truly superb and put an end to all their chances. Madrid kept possession and Karanka decided to replace Benzema with Arbeloa to tighten the defence until the final whistle. Mourinho, who ultimately was in a VIP box, saw it all covered with a cap as a SWAT on the roof. But without a rifle. Better for Mourinho and the referee, who allowed the Croatian team tough game that ended with three stitches on the right ankle of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Summary

Stadium: Maksimir Stadium
Attendance: 37,168
Goals: 0-1. Min. 53. Di María,

Real Madrid and Dinamo have played only two friendlies

Real Madrid and Dinamo Zagreb will face today, in Maksimir, for the first time in their history in official competition. Never before had happened. But It will not be the first opportunity they will see the faces on the pitch. In the 70's, played two friendly matches in Spain.

The first of them was played in August 1970. It was the match for the third and fourth place in the Costa del Sol trophy, in Malaga. In the semifinals, both teams had fallen into the penalty shootout. The white set, with the Hungarian Vasas after drawing 1-1 in regulation time, and the Croatian team with Malaga after that there was no goal in the match. In the consolation final, Real Madrid defeated Dinamo 4-2 with goals by Pirri, Velázquez, Souk and Fleitas. According to the chronicles, the team, led at the time by Miguel Muñoz, made ​​a great show and its football reached moments of brilliance.

In September 1974, Madrid and Dinamo played the second of the matches whose object was none other than the presentation to the Madrid fans of Paul Breitner. The German player came that summer from Bayern Munich. The demand around the defender, who at the Bernabeu was converted into a midfielder, was highest. In his debut, did not have much luck. Real Madrid fell 3-4 against a Dinamo that surprised the white team. "I am not in good physical conditions. I have trained only a week and a half", German said after the game.

Paul Breitner playing for Real Madrid against Dinamo

Preview: Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Madrid (UCL)

Real Madrid's road to its tenth European Cup title goes through Croatia tonight at 20:45 (GMT+1) in a match against Dinamo Zagreb. It will be the first clash between both sides in the championship. Real will wear red for the first time since their match in Odessa, Ukraine, 38 years ago, which confirmed goalkeeper Garcia Remon's status as a legendary Madridista. Iker Casillas, who recently celebrated the 12th anniversary of his first team debut, will look to carry on his legacy. The team's power in attack (14 goals in 4 official games) will do the rest.

Dinamo Zagreb Vs. Real Madrid

The road of the tenth (13 matches in 248 days) started at 3:15 pm yesterday. At that time took off the plane that led to Real Madrid to Zagreb, a city where it landed after two hours of peaceful flight. The expedition which was welcomed by a hundred fans, then moved to the exclusive Regent Esplanade Hotel, built in 1925 to accommodate travelers from the Orient Express. From there, Mourinho will watch the match if there are no last minute changes.

The Madridistas are in Group D with Dinamo, Olympique Lyonnais and Ajax. Maksimir Stadium will present a full house tonight. Lass has made his first squad list of the season. Khedira has also made the manager's cut. Benzema and Ronaldo will surely be motivated having scored eight goals between them in the team's official games so far this year (5 for the Portuguese, 3 for the Frenchman). Kaka, Sahin and Altintop will miss the match due to injuries.

There are other possible news. Albiol has options to replace Carvalho who is dispersed, and would not be unusual that Callejon will play instead of Di Maria. In the latter case the signs are sporty and deductive: the diligent Real Madrid website showed yesterday a beautiful picture of the youth squad player with a gleaming European Cup.

The clash will see Real Madrid wearing read for the fourth time in its entire history. The former three happened in 1971 and 1973. The first was in Wales in the Cup Winners' Cup quarterfinals against Cardiff City. They then faced PSV in the semifinals in Eindhoven. Finally, they wore red against Dynamo Kiev in Odessa in the first leg of the European Cup quarterfinals.

Dinamo Zagreb are the most honoured side in Croatia with 13 league and 11 cup titles. They've played more games this season and drew their last league match his weekend against Hajduk Split, ending their six straight victory run. Krunoslav Jurcic's team are still leaders and undefeated in the championship, having taken 19 points in the first seven games. Defender Simunic is suspended for the match

Dinamo Zagreb back to the group stage after 12 years and after five seasons falling in the third round of the previous phase. Team qualified for the group stage after eliminating Neftçi (3-0; 0-0), HJK Helsinki (1-2; 1-0) and Malmo (4-0; 2-0) in the playoffs. In the last match of the third round, the young goalkeeper Ivan Kelava (23 years) was the star of the team with a super performance. Due to his saves in the match played in Sweden, he received more than 15,500 congratulations on his Facebook page. Today he has a good chance to break the record. Maksimir Stadium was one of the two venues for the 1976 Euro won by Panenka's Czechoslovakia in an unforgettable penalty shootout. Real Madrid now look to earn an impressive victory of their own.

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona head the betting (UCL)

Barcelona and Real Madrid are in that order, the favorites to win the Champions League 2011-12, as reflected by the bookmakers. Is not scientific, but it is reliable: there are few analysts more receptive than those who bet their money. And brokers are betting it clear. The more conservative value is Barcelona, champions, and the most unlikely, Viktoria Plzen, rookie in the competition and coming from the previous round. If Barca win the title, for every euro wagered, would win almost three. If the Czechs win, the miracle would be well paid (although not enough): 500 to 1,000 euros for each on the bet, depending on the bookmaker.

Real Madrid is the second candidate in the eyes of investors. Its payback ranges between 5.5 and 6 euros for each one played. Real Madrid moves approximately in the same numbers it did past season. It seems that the bettors are confident Mourinho, although they are less sensitive to the signings that have strengthened the template.

The first conclusion is that Barcelona and Real Madrid extend their empire beyond Spain. The classic of Spain is also Europe's classic. It was showed in the latest edition: the semifinal, between Catalans and Real Madrid was feeling like a final. In fact, Bercalona suffered more to defeat Real Madrid over two legs (0-2, 1-1) than to knock Manchester United in the final at Wembley (3-1).

Ferguson's team is the third option. The pace of United in the Premiership (0-5 against Bolton in the last game) and its heavy investment in new signings (57 million euros) set its price in 7.5 to 1. A short distance from the United team, stands the team that can be considered disclosure of Champions even before it begins: Manchester City. The club of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed returns to the Champions League after 43 years and after a billion euros spent in just three seasons. If Manchester City wins the final on May 19 in Munich, the bookmakers will have to pay around ten euros for every bet (like Chelsea).

Real Madrid never scored a goal in red

Real Madrid approaches a new European debut with a nice novelty. Almost 40 years after use for the last time, Real Madrid will wear red in European competitions. So far, Real Madrid has dressed three times with that color, but the results were not the most ideal, failed to win any of the three games ( lost the day of the launch and had two draws) and scored a single goal.

Real Madrid third kit 2011-2012

It premiered in the 1970-71 Cup Winners' Cup and Cardiff was the first city that saw Real Madrid change its traditional white dress by a red. In Wales, in the quarterfinals of the competition, the Whites were defeated by 1-0. It was the 100th meeting of the Real Madrid team in European competitions and changed the uniform due to the similarity it had with the Welsh team, wearing blue shirt and white shorts and socks.

The second time was that year in the semifinals against Dutch PSV (0-0). The team 'tulip' wore red jersey with thin white stripes, but for this match decided to dress all in white, forcing Real Madrid to repeat red kit.

The third time was in Odessa, in the European Cup in 1972-73, at the match that completed the first hundred games for Real Madrid in the Champions League and his first match in Russian lands. White team faced Dynamo Kiev (0-0) wearing red T-shirt and pants, but that time without changing socks that were white. Tomorrow, in Zagreb, Real Madrid will look to score its first goal in this color and begin the conquest of a new Champions League. The Tenth.

Tomorrow, the new red shirt of Real Madrid could get from the official store. The club's idea is that the start date of the sale matches the release of the shirt in the Champions League match against Dynamo Zagreb. There have been many requests from fans who have come to the store since was announced what would be the Champions League away kit, but both the club and the brand (Adidas), have wanted to wait until tomorrow to put up for sale.

Champions League 2011-2012: The Draw

The road in search of the Tenth European Cup is no stranger to Real Madrid, which will face to face with old 'friends' that already knows with the eyes closed. Lyon, always Lyon will be the greatest threat to Whites in a group stage that must pass without problems. Real Madrid will repeat duels against Ajax, with which already met last year, and will debut against Dinamo Zagreb, the only Croatian set this in the top continental tournament.

UEFA Champions League 2011-2012: Group D

Lyon is no longer a ghost

Bad memories that the French brought to Real Madrid were forgotten. Last season, Mourinho killed two birds with one stone. Ended its curse in the last-16 round and also the ghosts of the Lyon team that had ruined the lives of whites in more than one occasion. Little or nothing has changed the French team in the field since that day, but yes on the bench, now owned by Remi Garde. Toulalan is not, but the military force maintains its essence. The driver is the intermittent Gourcuff and the shooters are Gomis, Lisandro and Bastos, using the long distance machine gun. Still offers doubts its rear, with the goal defended by Lloris, a cat. Benzema and Real Madrid will return to Lyon, where never before in history has won the white team.

Ajax continues to reinvent itself

Ajax, another year, will be rival of Real Madrid in the group stage of the Champions League. The arrival of Frank de Boer to the bench after the elimination of the continental showpiece, was a breath of fresh air for the Dutch, accustomed to reinvent itself due to obligations of the script. The Dutch team no longer misses Luis Suarez. Ajax thinks in future, in long-term with Van der Wiel, Alderweired, Eriksen, Sulejmani and Janssen, a killer from the Twente. The Amsterdam Arena will be where the Real Madrid will finish the group stage.

Sammir's Dinamo

Nobody takes seriously the Croatians, but the Balkan team has its hidden weapons. Has reached this stage after knocking Swedish Malmoe on the previous round. Sammir, cheeky Brazilian footballer is the greatest threat of a Dinamo that already shown last year against Villarreal in the Europa League that can break pools. Dinamo Zagreb will check what it feels like to play against Madrid, which has never done and will do in its debut. In Zagreb begins the road of Mourinho's team. The aim is Munich.

SCHEDULE

(Note: Time is GMT +1)

Link: UEFA Draw News