Espanyol 0 - 4 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 7)

Higuain is back. The Argentinean went through a rough time after his back surgery last season, but tonight he proved to be in top form with a hat-trick against Espanyol. Real Madrid earned their third victory this week with an impressive 13 goal tally.

Higuain was the start of the game

Albiol, Lass and Higian made the starting lineup covering the absences of Pepe, Carvalho and Benzema. Ramos teamed up with Albiol in the centre of defence and Arbeloa was assigned right back duties. Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to score two minutes into the game from outside the box, but goalkeeper Cristian cleared the ball with danger for his side, sending it to one of the posts. Espanyol looked to get rid of the Whites' pressure with long passes from Thievy, and Romaric nearly scored on the 15-minute mark with an attempt from midfield. Mourinho's men responded one minute later with a Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Higuain connection finished off by the Argentine in a one-on-one against keeper Cristian.

The game opened up for Real Madrid, who used this to make fast counterattacks and capitalise on the speed of their strikers. Espanyol decided to put pressure on the Madridistas closer to midfield and had more chances on goal that were all cleared by Casillas.

The locals pressurised hard after half-time; they posed no threat close ot goal, but forced many turnovers from Mourinho's side. Nevertheless, a long pass by Arbeloa in the 66th minute was picked up and pushed into the net by Higuain, who thus practically sealed the match. Mourinho made Khedira come on for Lass (70'), as the French midfielder had been booked and the coach wanted to avoid taking risks.

Callejon replaced Ozil six minutes later and was received with an ovation by his former crowd. Espanyol kept looking for a goal, which forced them to leave open spaces that Real Madrid used in counterattacks. Ronaldo had a chance to score a third for the team on the 78-minute mark, but his shot wasn't on target.

A great and very selfless assist inside the box from the Portuguese striker allowed Callejon to score the third (82'). Granero then came on for Kaka (83') and, when the game was practically over, a defensive mistake by the locals gave the ball to Higuain and the Argentine defeated Cristian again with a skilful soft touch on the ball.

Summary

Stadium: Cornella-El Prat
Attendance: 34,423
Goals: 0-1, min.15: Higuain; 0-2, min.66: Higuain; 0-3, min.82: Callejon; 0-4, min.89: Higuain.

Raphael Varane: "I have grown as football player"

Raphael Varane looks happy with Real Madrid

When you received a call from Zidane just over three months to play for Madrid, did you imagine that in such a short time you were going to play Champions League matches?
I have only 18 years and I did not think I would play such important games as a starter for a team like Madrid. But it's done. After two league games, have debuted in the Champions League and I can only cross my fingers to all goes down this path. And work hard, of course.

Having played the last three games as a starter, do you feel has made progress in your play?
Absolutely. I notice it. Training with coaching staff at this level and with players of that caliber allows me to learn many things. Having so many minutes at this time has made me to improve as central defender. In three games I have grown as a player.

You have also been able to discover what is the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in La Liga and Champions. Is it a big change respect your former club Lens?
Yes, the truth is that it has nothing to do. Felix Bollaert stadium is smaller, but the fans make more noise. It's a different environment. At the Bernabeu you note a different kind of pressure that is special.

What Jose Mourinho asked you before each of these three games you have played?
The coach told me I had to be very focused, avoid any dismissal. As I am young and lack experience, Mourinho wants, above all, no mistakes of inattention. I have to be really into the game from the opening whistle until the end. The central defender position needs very forcefully and we must be ready to intervene immediately.

Take a few months in Madrid, but you look happy in the team. Many people helped you to get a good start in this locker room ...
Actually, all peers have received me very well. Everyone feels great with me. The coach and Karim (Benzema), of course, but also Lass, who left France and went to play for Chelsea when he was still very young and has advised me about this new life. In regard to the field, I have the good fortune of being surrounded by very experienced players who are very attentive to me and help me constantly.

You are a regular in the Under-21 France team. Have you thought about playing with the senior team? Can you imagine to play the European Championship in June next year?
At the moment I do not think of anything. I just concentrate on what I'm doing at Real Madrid. I have the opportunity to play games as a starter and I focus on this. If Laurent Blanc calls me, I will be super happy, but now that is not an obsession for me. My number one target is to be efficient in the field and develop my style of play. If I am called up to the French national team, will be the result from what I do at Real Madrid.

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.

Real Madrid 6 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (Spanish League Day 6)

Real Madrid overcame adversity. Despite conceding a goal in the opening 12 seconds of their match against Rayo Vallecano, and being down to ten men from the 35-minute mark onwards, the Whites turned the score around and earned an impressive victory thanks to a great performance from Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Expectations were high at the Bernabeu after the team failed to win its previous two away games in the league. Things didn't have an auspicious start when, only twelve seconds into the game, Tamudo shot on target from outside the box, forcing Iker Casillas to make a clearance, after which the ball landed at Michu's feet and the striker scored. It took Real a long time to get into the game after that and Mourinho decided to replace Lass with Ozil in the 28th minute. The German stepped up the team's game and helped it put pressure on Rayo by keeping possession. The Whites were constantly attacking and their first strike came from a counterattack: Kaka served the ball to Ronaldo and the Portuguese nutmegged keeper Gutierrez after a 30-minute run.

The Madridistas saw the game was wide open again and went for it. The visitors withstood their onslaughts as best they could and eventually tackled Kaka close to the box (44'). Xabi Alonso crossed the ball into the area from the free-kick, Sergio Ramos anticipated Gutierrez's exit and Higuain ended up with the ball before an empty goal. Thus, the Argentine gave the locals the lead by half-time.

The second half had a frantic start, with Real looking to seal the match. Kaka entered Rayo's area and Movilla challenged him late. Ronaldo took the ensuing penalty and scored a third for the Whites (50'). A few minutes later Rayo fought back and scored from a corner kick taken by Michu (54'). One minute later, Di Maria was sent off with a second booking.

Real Madrid pull rank in adverse situations and played their best when they were down to ten men. Mourinho reacted quickly and made Khedira and Benzema come on for Kaka and Higuain. Ozil served a corner kick on the 66-minute mark and Varane finished it off with a heel kick. Rayo kept trying to score a goal of their own, but they hardly had time to react to Madrid's latest when Benzema tallied yet another being assisted by Ozil right outside the box.

And there was more to come when Gimenez tackled Ronaldo inside the area and another penalty was awarded. Cristiano took it and scored his third goal of the evening. CR7 has already netted seven strikes this season and is on his way to earning last year's impressive numbers.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 67,500
Goals: 0-1, min.1, Michu; 1-1, min.37, Cristiano Ronaldo; 2-1, min.45, Higuaín; 3-1, min.50, Cristiano Ronaldo (p.); 3-2, min.55, Michu; 4-2, min.67, Varane; 5-2, min.73, Benzema 6-2; min.83, Cristiano Ronaldo (p.)

Mourinho: "We must return to normality by winning"

Jose Mourinho at press conference after draw against Racing

Jose Mourinho addressed the media in a press conference after the 0-0 draw with Racing. He was serious and somewhat discouraged but declined to evaluate in-depth the poor play made ​​by Real Madrid.

"We had complete control over the game, especially in the first half. We played in our opponent's half of the pitch after half-time and we didn't have that many chances on goal. This is due to Racing, who defended fiercely and played their game well looking to take one point".

"As a team we didn't do our best and some of our players performed under par, but we tried to win and ended the game the way we played it: with two defenders, with someone playing in the middle and with two forwards. Kaka was a free agent and Xabi Alonso worked very hard in midfield. We had complete control over the last 30 minutes of the match".

"We didn't have the necessary dynamics. They were always broken by the passiveness of those who can't affort the pace of the game to be altered. The pace was broken by simulation, by injuries, by the stretcher coming onto the pitch... We're responsible for this because we failed to put a stop to it".

"Our concentration was better tonight than it was on Sunday and I have a different overall feeling about the game. We dropped four points away from home last season in our first few games. Our main reference in terms of fighting for the title are Barcelona and if they win tonight they'll only have a 3-point cushion over us, not a 30-point lead".

"It's less worrysome to draw a match in which you're the only side that tries to play and win. We've dropped five points in two away games and that is worrysome. We will try to win and score goals on Saturday. We've scored one goal in our last three games and we must return to normality by scoring and winning on Saturday".

Racing 0 - 0 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 5)

The bone injury caused by overuse is called stress fracture, but this is not the way we want to take. Here and now call stress fracture to the psychic collapse causing maximum stress situations. In the same way that the teams are passed of top phisycal conditions, the groups can be melted by excessive motivation. Real Madrid gives that impression, a team clogged by Mourinho. The Portuguese coach has sent so many times his players to the war that the players suffer the stress of the soldier, the huge collapse that produces the combination of anxiety and depression.

Teams that want to get rid of their coaches, play like Real Madrid did yesterday. I do not think there was a deliberate plan to force such a thing. I bet most players still believe in their coach, but I do not konw if blindly or the eyes begin to open. However, the subconscious is whimsical and subversive. And yesterday there was a collective subconscious reaction, almost a sit-down strike, a fact that now we can only guess. Maybe it was the response to Mourinho's purges or favoritism towards the clan (of the Portugueses). Or maybe it happens that the players have become deaf after the heavy noise around the team, the club and Mourinho.

Bad day for Real Madrid

It must be stressed. What is more surprising is the general collapse. A shot to the Racing Santander goal in the first half, an innocent header by Callejon. Then in the second half, slightly more heart than football. To Toño, Racing goalkeeper, sometimes suffered acrobat, was enough to dominate the air to look like Yashin. Racing, which had conceded eight goals in three games, weathered the storm with amazing ease. Against Sporting will suffer more in the next day.

Because Racing, with the respect and recognition of his heroism, is a very limited team. At this date is waiting for the miracle of Cuper, which this time will be enough with the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. It has little and yesterday was even less. Without Kennedy, Colsa, Arana and Acosta. Five debutants in the starting lineup, including a boy of 18 years, Jairo, who won several rounds against Marcelo. To draw in these circumstances is like winning the game and it would have been win the heaven if Casillas had not saved a shot by Serrano that smelled strongly to goal.

In Real Madrid, nobody. Sad officials, people working. You can only play so bad if the head is somewhere else, if problems are around, missing illusion. It also influences the lack of joy, of course. Mourinho has transformed the game in a vindictive twist: you have to win to take revenge, to close mouths and destroy hypocrisy.

It is increasingly clear that the glow of the Spanish Super Cup was scheduled to sprint without much travel. With that momentum the team won in Zaragoza and without it, team sinks against the cinderellas of the tournament. Neither Cristiano, even. A little of Varane and a lot of nothing. This has only just begun, say the optimists. But it has started bad.

Summary

Stadium: El Sardinero
Attendance: 12,000

Preview: Racing vs Real Madrid (League Day 5)

Racing Santander vs Real Madrid

Mourinho, once again, devoured the hours before the match of Real Madrid. In his press conference rejected any discussion on sport and insisted on looking enemies and renewing outrage. Somebody can say it is a strategy to release pressure to the players. The problem is that the resulting pressure is no longer on him, but that falls on a club that has not enough time to fight against so many ghosts.

The contradiction is permanent. Mourinho regrets the provocations of the enemy, but invokes them. Following the example of the Levante and the proclamations of the Portuguese coach, will be difficult for the Racing resist the temptation to entangle the game today. Perhaps the fair play remains intact by the youth of many of Racing Santander players.

Real Madrid want to prove their defeat against Levante at the Ciudad de Valencia was only an accident. Until Sunday, the Whites had comfortably won their eight previous away matches in the championship. Last season Real Madrid gave an impressive performance at El Sardinero despite the absences of Higuain, Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lass. They look to do the same tonight despite missing Pepe, Coentrao, Khedira, Sahin and Altintop.

Pepe and Coentrao both suffer from fibrilar tears and will miss the match alongside Sahin and Altintop. Khedira is suspended for the match. Despite these important absences, the team will look to give an impressive performance like last season's, which coincided with the club's 109 anniversary and gave them a 3-1 win despite missing Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lass and Khedira. Jose Mourinho has taken all his men with him to Santander and also academy goalkeeper Tomas Mejias. French striker Karim Benzema hopes to net a brace against Racing at El Sardinero, just like he did last season.

Racing are currently in the relegation zone and have only taken one point in the last three league encounters, but they are still a tough team to beat, as they proved in Mestalla where they managed to lead 3-1 at one point. Coach Cuper has kept the core of last season's side and strengthened it with the signings of Tziolis, Stuani with Sevilla academy players Bernardo, Acosta and the promising Jairo. The right end of Racing B (three goals in Third Division) has chances to come into the starting lineup, led by his talent, but favored by injuries.

This is Hector Cuper's first season at Racing and his third stint as coach in Spain. The Argentine will miss the injured Arana, Colsa, Torrejon, Acosta and Kennedy, but he'll be able to count on Diop, who was suspended for last week's match. Former Real Madrid player Munitis (36 years) is a key figure on the team and will be able to face his former side becuase recently recovered from a sprained left ankle.

Real Madrid won their previous four league clashes at El Sardinero and will look to add to this impressive run tonight. Six months ago, Real Madrid won by 1-3 at the Sardinero Stadium. Highlighted the midfield formed by Xabi Alonso and Granero, the joy of Özil and rapport between Adebayor and Benzema, authors of the goals. Those were different times: Cristiano was out and Canales (former Racing player) was part of the team.

Levante 1 - 0 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 4)

The same place and a crime even worse. The Real Madrid of Khedira and Kaka drew back in Valencia and suffered miserably in one of those slaps whose pain does not subside until the end. In a match to forget, the German midfielder was sent-off and the referee Turienzo Alvarez did not mark a clamorous penalty increasing the malaise. A commendable Levante, laborious and rogue, took advantage and Real rolled down the slope from the regular to the horrible and tactically misplaced, with Cristiano Ronaldo and without him, returning to stay behind Barcelona.

Levante defeated Real Madrid (1-0)

As in the best movies of action, style that Real Madrid cultivates, the plot and the fight were full of guilts and a single nerd: Khedira. Turienzo Alvarez did not want to mark a foul on Di Maria, he answered with a bad action on Juanlu, Iborra touched the face of the Argentine, who collapsed as killed by a shot, Ballesteros rebuked him and Khedira stepped into the role of the absurd avenging, which cost him his second yellow. It was the 40th minute. This mess killed Real Madrid on a visit full of thorns by the experience of rival on the grass in bad conditions, by the substitution of Cristiano and by the push of a crowd that swelled up to Levante like a blowfish.

Mourinho put Khedira to meet the orthodoxy of a pure midfielder alongside Xabi Alonso without any scientific proof that the Spanish midfielder plays worse alone than with company. Nor is clear that the German mix well with him. In games like this, Xabi can with words and with music, with the cut and creation, without being overwhelmed by work. That measure, plus the forced substitution Cristiano, stole to Real Madrid the energetic and crazy football that gives Coentrao in the center. With the flat style that prints Khedira (without who Madrid had won the previous three games) team was slightly but attacked a lot less. And in games like this team pays interest on late payments. It stretches the score 0-0 and then there is no time for the KO. Neither was successful the management of Kaka. Real Madrid needs him because is a very expensive asset and because Özil must be tightened, variable yield footballer with too many minutes valley, more of which are assumed even for artists. But Kaka is not now a playmaker player but, at best, a good accompaniment. He was not the guilty but neither the solution.

Just talking football, Real Madrid went for a victory from the get-go and Kaka shone having two chances on goal: the first ended in a corner kick (11') and the second was saved by keeper Munua (12'). Possession was 86% for the Whites by the 19th minute. Benzema nearly scored from a goalie clearance in the 33rd minute, but the ball went over the crossbar. Real continued to dominate until Khedira was sent off with the second booking (40') already commented.

After half-time, Mourinho replaced Benzema with Cristiano, moved Coentrao back to the centre midfielder position, and left Kaka and Di Maria in attack with Ronaldo. Real kept looking for a goal, but the match was stained by continuous theatricalities and fouls that kept bringing the game to a halt. The referee failed to award a penalty on the 63-minute mark for a handball by Iborra inside the box, that would have also been a second booking for the player and would have therefore left Levante with ten men.

The locals then used a counterattack to score the only strike of the evening: Javi Venta reached the box after a run down the right wing and assisted Kone, who defeated Casillas with a powerful shot. Higuain came on for Kaka and a few minutes later Marcelo was replaced by Ozil. Madrid gave their all looking for an equaliser and knowing their efforts in attack could very well result in another strike against them. Levante continued to defend fiercely and won the day. A step back in title race

Summary

Stadium: City of Valencia
Attendance: 17,676
Goals: 1-0 Min.67 Kone.

Preview: Levante vs Real Madrid (League Day 4)

Real Madrid will face Levante at 8.00 pm (CET) today Sunday in their second away La Liga match this season. The Whites won their previous two clashes in the championship by tallying a whopping 10 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are performing at an incredibly high level and will look to keep their goal scoring streak at a stadium in which the Madridistas have never lost in the league championship, having won five and drawn one of their six away meetings with Levante.

Levante VS. Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has recovered Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka for the match. The forward had to receive three stitches on one of his ankles after the match in Zagreb, which the Brazilian missed due to a muscle strain. The facts are that Cristiano, handsome, rich and good, does not want to miss the game, despite the three stitches, and Mourinho completes the best list possible, including Kaka but without Albiol and Granero whose importance on the team falls. It smells to the usual starting line up with Coentrao as co-pilot of Xabi Alonso and at the center of the debate. Mourinho likes his compatriot because offers hyperactivity, speed and power. Others suspect that he is obliged to play by his price and that the only vacancy is there.

Ronaldo has scored four goals so far in the league and will no doubt be a key player against Levante. Benzema is also proving to be decisive by scoring goals, serving assists and actively participating in all of the team's efforts. The Frenchman netted two strikes against Getafe last week.

Levante drew their first two matches in the championship (1-1 against Getafe; 0-0 against Racing), in which they were the visiting side. They will look to earn their first home victory in the campaign against Real. Coach Juan Ignacio Martinez was signed this summer. This is his first season in the First Division, having previously coached Cartagena and many Second Division and Second Division B sides. The team strengthened its attack with the signings of Aranda, Kone and El Zhar, who will look to fill the great void left by Caicedo.

Karim Benzema: More than a forward

Three goals in five official games is a figure more than respectable. They are the numbers of Karim Benzema in this early season, but Karim is much more. French is a complete striker, a player who occupies the whole front of attack and is not limited to the goal area. His capacity to associate with peers is available in very few strikers in Europe and Mourinho knows how to exploit it.

Karim Benzema

Benzema is capable of playing in both wings - Alves went crazy when Karim played in the left wing in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup - and offering different resources to Real's attack. Against Dinamo Zagreb completed 22 passes correctly, only one less than Mesut Özil and same as Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of the white offensive. He did not score because he found the crossbar in the first half but was one of the best.

Few strikers can boast of not scoring at a match and be the best player of the team. Also occurred in Zaragoza, so it's no coincidence. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium now enjoys a Benzema devoted to the cause, a tireless campaigner and the first "defender". He defends as the most and is the one to initiate defensive work to steal the ball to the opponent team. And Mourinho likes.

We do not discover anything if we say that Benzema is one of the spoiled child in the club. In the management area at the Bernabeu are reaping the benefits betting on him. They knew when they signed him that they did not sign a player for a year or two. Karim has finished exploding and the managers are delighted with his performance, because it was exactly what was expected of him. "Now he understands football as I understand it", Mourinho said. When Karim understands something, understands it beautifully.

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

Cristiano Ronaldo costs more than the entire Levante

The Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, costs more than the entire squad of Levante, a team to which will face Sunday in the City of Valencia Stadium in a duel of disparate figure. At a time when people analyze the economic and sports differences between clubs, it is clear that Levante and Real Madrid are one example of that distance.

Ten differences between Levante and Real Madrid:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, the most important player of the white team costs to his club between 12 and 13 million euros per season, what represents 50% more than the 8 million euros for the entire workforce of Levante.
2. Real Madrid's budget, estimated at slightly more than 500 million euros, is more than 20 times that Levante's, which faces this season with 23 million budgeted.
3. Real Madrid has 96,000 members (70,000 have pass to see the matches at the stadium), while Levante, that last week celebrated its first 102 years of existence, reached the 10,000 subscribers for the year 2011-2012.
4. The Madrid club accumulates 73 national and international titles, including nine European Cups, while Levante has its success in its promotions to First Division and claims a Cup title earned during the Spanish Civil War.
5. The distribution of television rights places both clubs at the edges of the First Spanish Division, as compared with 140 million euros with which Real Madrid is paid, Levante has a guaranteed income of 12 million.
6. Although these amounts, as noted by the President of Levante, Quico Catalan, have a different weight in each club. For Levante are close to 60% of their income, while for Real are around 30%.
7. While Levante has few international players, the latter has been the attacker Valdo, player of Cape Verde, Real Madrid faced their last league match against Getafe, with the thirteen international players of the fourteen that played in the match. Only Esteban Granero, who played a minute, has not played for a national team (Spain).
8. Nevertheless, Real Madrid visited twice City of Valencia stadium last season and failed to score in 180 minutes. In the League (0-0) and in Copa del Rey lost (2-0) after beating shortly before in the first leg in Madrid by 7-0.
9. In the six League visits to Valencia, Real Madrid has always won except last year with the goalless draw. In these matches Real Madrid has scored ten goals and has only received one. Interestingly, the only victory of Levante against Real Madrid occurred in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the season 2006-2007.
10. Participation in European tournaments, marketing revenues, the advertising contracts of their players, the number of fans in Spain, Europe and the world, are some other differences between two clubs that will face on Sunday at 8:00 pm (local time) in a League match at the City of Valencia Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not train and is doubtful for the match against Levante

Real Madrid has already begun to prepare for the league match this weekend against Levante. The morning training session, open to the press for fifteen minutes, had two principal players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Altintop. The Portuguese, after the three stitches that had to recieve at the ankle, has not trained on the grass of Valdebebas Sports City.

Meanwhile, the good news was starred by Hamit Altintop, who trained in the Real Madrid's facilities. The Turkish player trained at the same pace as the group of substitutes of the European match against Dynamo Zagreb. Along with Altintop were Higuain, Khedira, Granero, Lass, Varane, Kaka, Arbeloa and Callejon, plus a few players of the youth squad. Meanwhile, the starters made​​-up work in the field three.

Kaka, who in previous sessions to match against Dinamo Zagreb was unable to work because of a blow he received in his left heel during the match against Getafe, trained as normal. Sahin and Albiol, with Cristiano, were the only ones who did not jump into training camp.

Altintop at Valdebebas Sports City with Mourinho

Real Madrid's Foundation will open an academy in Honduras

The Realmadrid Foundation has signed a collaboration agreement with Fundacion Diunsa regarding the opening of a social and sports academy in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Two hundred children in risk of social exclusion aged between 6 and 17 will benefit from the agreement.

The act was presided over by Executive Vice President Enrique Sanchez, Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño, and Fundacion Diunsa Board President Mario Roberto Faraj Faraj.

The document was signed in the Royal Hall of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and is part of the Formando Campeones (Forming Champions) project developed by Fundacion Diunsa, which will manage football activities, administer healthcare, provide snacks, teach English and IT lessons, orginise leisure activities, as well as discussions with the children's families. The activities carried out in the academy will take place in courts provided by the municipality of San Pedro Sula and the Municipal Sports Institute.

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).